Seven-Reflector RTS Prism for 3D Line-of-Sight Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 360° RTS prisms have limited reflective orientation coverage, providing only true 360° coverage in a single plane, which is inadequate for tracking the motion of crawler robots on complex 3D assets such as curved surfaces or within confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves modifying the traditional 360° RTS prism by replacing one of the mounting caps with an additional reflector, resulting in a prism with improved line-of-sight coverage, resembling a hemisphere rather than a stretched torus, thereby increasing the reflecting coverage to 1.5 planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional 360° RTS prism with six TC reflectors and two mounting caps is used, then the prism provides true 360° coverage in a single plane, but the reflective orientation coverage is limited and resembles a stretched torus, which is inadequate for tracking on complex 3D assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D single-plane 360° coverage to a 3D multi-plane coverage by adding a seventh TC reflector on the opposite end of the prism. This dimensional expansion creates hemispherical coverage in multiple planes, enabling tracking on complex 3D assets such as curved surfaces and confined spaces that were previously inaccessible to traditional prisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reflective coverage into multiple distinct planes by strategically positioning seven TC reflectors at specific locations on the prism. Each reflector handles specific angular ranges, and their combined coverage creates comprehensive multi-plane detection capability, resolving the limitation of single-plane coverage in traditional designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional TC reflectors are added to expand coverage to multiple planes, then the line-of-sight coverage improves to hemispherical coverage, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the prism housing and mounting cap structures to serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the TC reflectors, define the precise angular positioning of each reflector, and maintain the structural integrity required for hemispherical coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the increased complexity of the reflector array.
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 modification enhances the direct line-of-sight coverage for the RTS prism, allowing for full coverage when mounted normal to a surface, such as on an inspection robot, thereby improving the tracking and inspection capabilities on complex surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
six individual trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, i.e., first to sixth TC reflectors 222102, 222104, 222106, 222108, 222110, 222112 that are configured to reflect substantially all light from the center of the RTS prism 222100
Data Source
AI summary
A prism for reflecting a laser includes: a single mounting cap at a first end of the prism, and first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each including a reflective surface including: three side edges, and three corners at respective intercept points between the side edges, wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism.