Rotating Rotor Position Sensor for Laser Line Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensors can only detect the vertical position of an object relative to a laser reference plane but not its orientation, limiting their ability to accurately align objects in three-dimensional spaces.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor with a rotating rotor and photosensor or immission surface that moves along a circular path, using a motor with an encoder to detect the intersection points of a laser reference plane, allowing for the calculation of both vertical position and orientation relative to the plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a line sensor is used to detect the position of the laser line, then the vertical position can be determined, but the orientation cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the line sensor around its axis to transform a static detection device into a dynamic one. This rotation allows the sensor to scan multiple positions and detect both vertical position and orientation information from the laser line intersection points, thereby resolving the limitation of static sensors that can only detect vertical position.
2Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array of photosensors is used, then the position of the laser line can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection task into two parts: a simple line sensor for detecting laser line positions and a rotation mechanism for providing angular information. This segmentation replaces the complex two-dimensional photosensor array with a combination of a one-dimensional sensor and mechanical movement, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex optical system (two-dimensional photosensor array) with a simpler optical sensor combined with mechanical motion (rotation). The mechanical rotation provides the angular dimension that would otherwise require a complex array structure, thereby substituting mechanical movement for optical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the photosensor moves along a circular path through rotation, then both position and orientation can be detected, but the device requires additional motor and encoder components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the rotation system to serve multiple functions: it positions the line sensor at different angular locations for orientation detection, provides rotational positioning information through the encoder, and enables scanning of the laser line intersection points. This multi-functionality justifies the added motor and encoder components by making them serve multiple detection purposes.
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 precise detection of both the height and alignment of a pull-off rod with respect to a laser reference plane, enabling accurate vertical and orientation adjustments for alignment tasks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photosensor, wherein the rotor either has an emission surface from which incident light from the laser reference plane reaches the photosensor, or has the photosensor itself so that it directly detects the light from the laser reference plane
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a position sensor (1) for detecting the position of a laser line (10) relative to the position sensor (1), wherein the position sensor (1) has at least one rotor (12) and at least one photosensor, wherein the rotor (12) is set in rotation by a motor, wherein the rotor (12) has, at a distance from its axis of rotation, either an emission surface (4) from which incident light of the laser line (10) reaches the photosensor, or has the photosensor (11) itself there, so that it directly detects the light of the laser line (10), wherein said photosensor (11) or said emission surface (4) moves along a circular path (6) when the rotor (12) rotates, wherein the motor which sets the rotor (12) in rotation is a stepper motor or a servo motor or other motor which has a rotary encoder, so that the orientation of the rotor (12) is always known due to the known angle of rotation.