Rotating Drive Element for Distance Measuring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices, such as those with laser diodes and photo diodes, require complex and energy-intensive mechanisms for signal calibration and adjustment, which can be bulky and inefficient due to the need for multiple moving parts and translational elements.
Innovation Solution
A compact design incorporating a drive unit with a static unit and a drive element that rotates to adjust a signaling means, such as a beam splitter or mirror, allowing for signal deflection, polarization, or absorption, with a magnetic or electric excitation field driving the drive element, reducing the need for translational elements and minimizing energy consumption and adjustment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment mechanisms with multiple moving parts and translational elements are used, then the signaling means can be adjusted, but the device becomes bulky and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical translational adjustment mechanisms with a rotational drive system consisting of a static unit and a drive element. The drive element rotates to adjust the signaling means (beam splitter or mirror) from a calibration position to a measurement position, eliminating the need for complex translational guides and multiple moving parts while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the static unit providing structural support and magnetic field generation, the drive element providing rotational motion, and the signaling means being adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the signaling means can be adjusted, but energy consumption increases due to friction losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates friction losses associated with traditional mechanical translational mechanisms by using a rotational drive system. The static unit generates a magnetic field that acts on the drive element, enabling contactless or low-friction rotational adjustment of the signaling means, significantly reducing energy consumption during calibration and measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism uses periodic magnetic field activation to rotate the drive element between discrete positions (calibration and measurement positions). This periodic action allows the system to achieve adjustment with minimal energy input, only when position changes are required, rather than continuous energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If multiple moving parts and translational elements are used, then adjustment can be achieved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational drive system with static unit and drive element enables faster adjustment compared to traditional translational mechanisms. The direct rotational coupling between the drive element and signaling means eliminates intermediate translational stages, reducing the number of mechanical interfaces and allowing quicker position changes during calibration and measurement.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented with rotational drive, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function into a dedicated, modular rotational drive unit with static unit and drive element. This modular extraction allows for standardized manufacturing of the drive mechanism while maintaining precise alignment through the direct rotational coupling between the drive element and signaling means, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on overall system performance.
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
This solution enables a simple, compact, and energy-efficient adjustment mechanism for distance measuring devices, reducing friction losses and minimizing the number of moving parts, while maintaining precise control over the signaling means, thus enhancing the device's performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The static unit is preferably provided to generate a magnetic or electric excitation field in order to drive the drive element
Implementation Method 2
the drive element is comprised of a permanent magnet... a magnetic driving force exerted by the static unit is advantageously able to contactlessly drive the permanent magnet to execute a rotation
Implementation Method 3
the measurement signal can be deflected, reflected, split into two other measurement signals, polarized, and/or absorbed by the signaling means
Implementation Method 4
the measurement signal can be deflected, reflected, split into two other measurement signals, polarized, and/or absorbed by the signaling means
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device (10) in the form of a hand-held unit includes a path (28, 34) for a measurement signal, an adjustable signaling means (36) for changing the measurement signal, and a drive unit (40) for adjusting the signaling means (36, 70). The drive unit is equipped with a static unit (52) and a drive element (46, 76) that the static unit (52) is able to directly drive to execute a movement in relation to the static unit (52). The drive element (46, 76) has the capacity to be driven into a rotation in relation to the static unit (52).