Rotating Cylindrical Lens for Laser Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring instruments face difficulties in detecting laser beams at long distances due to the small size of the laser point and decreasing intensity, especially in adverse outdoor conditions, requiring a method to easily and rapidly find the center of a laser beam.
Innovation Solution
A light beam emission device with a rotatable head and optical element that can be turned into the light beam path using a turning mechanism, allowing for automatic changes in optical properties, such as converting a point to a line, to generate a light cone, without the need for additional light sources or complex drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional laser light source is used for measuring distance or position, then the laser beam can be emitted, but the laser point becomes very small and difficult to detect at long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical element (cylindrical lens) movable rather than fixed. The lens can be rotated around its optical axis and translated along the beam path, allowing dynamic adjustment of the beam shape between a narrow point and a fanned-out pattern. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different detection requirements at various distances, solving the problem of detecting the laser beam center at long distances by fanning the beam when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by using a cylindrical lens to transform the laser beam from a one-dimensional narrow point into a two-dimensional fanned pattern. The cylindrical lens focuses the beam in one dimension while leaving it unfocused in the perpendicular dimension, creating an elongated light pattern that is much easier to detect visually or with photodetectors at long distances, thereby adding a dimensional aspect to the beam profile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different light sources are provided for fanned laser beam and unchanged laser beam, then both beam types can be generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single optical system that can perform multiple functions. The same laser source and optical path are used for both the narrow beam mode and the fanned beam mode. By incorporating a movable cylindrical lens that can be positioned in different locations and orientations, the system achieves versatility in generating different beam types without requiring separate light sources or independent optical paths, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by using the existing laser beam itself to create the fanned pattern when needed, rather than requiring a separate dedicated light source. The cylindrical lens manipulates the same beam to produce the fanned effect, allowing the beam to serve its own dual purpose of both narrow-point transmission and expanded visualization depending on the lens position, eliminating the need for additional light-generating components.
3Ease of operation
If an optical element is introduced into the laser beam to change its properties, then the beam can be fanned out, but the mechanism becomes complex requiring insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a mechanism where the cylindrical lens is mounted on a movable carriage that can be easily positioned along the optical path. The lens is coupled to the rotating head assembly, allowing it to be rotated into and out of the beam path through simple rotational motion. This dynamic positioning mechanism is much simpler than complex insertion/removal systems, enabling easy switching between beam modes while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and reproducible changes in light beam properties, facilitating easier detection of the laser beam at distant locations, even in challenging conditions, by converting a collimated beam into a fanned beam for improved visibility and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical lens, which can be turned around a turning axis (D) transverse to the rotation axis (A), in order to change the propagation direction of the light beam or other optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light beam emission device for a measuring device for changing the optical properties of a light beam as well as to a corresponding method and to a measuring instrument which uses the light beam emission device, wherein the optical properties of the light beam can be changed automatically thereby from one state to another state. The light beam emission device comprises a base body with an opening for the passage of the light beam; a head which is arranged rotatably around a rotation axis on the base body, and which corresponds substantially to the propagation direction of the light beam through the base body; an optical element, which is arranged turnably around a turning axis on the head; and a turning mechanism for producing a turning of the optical element around the turning axis; wherein the turning mechanism is designed to turn the optical element to a first position and to a second position, second position in which the optical element is located in the light beam, so that the optical properties of the light beam are changed depending on the function of the optical element.