Optical Scanner Thermal Stabilization via Heat Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical scanning devices face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to temperature fluctuations, which affect the distance and orientation of optical sensors, leading to inaccuracies in geometric coordinate determination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a projector, cameras, temperature sensors, and heat pipes or a warming cradle to maintain thermal equilibrium, with algorithms controlling the fan and heat exchanger to stabilize the device's temperature, ensuring accurate coordinate measurement by compensating for temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical scanning device operates without active thermal management, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations affecting optical sensor distance and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature parameter of the optical scanning device through a thermal management system. The system monitors temperature fluctuations and adjusts heating or cooling parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions, thereby preserving measurement precision without requiring a complete redesign of the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical thermal isolation with an active electronic thermal control system. Instead of relying on mechanical insulation to maintain temperature stability, the system uses electronic sensors and actuators to dynamically adjust thermal conditions, achieving better precision with controlled complexity.
2Productivity
If the device allows coordinate measurement outside thermal equilibrium, then the productivity increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature-induced errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the thermal equilibrium status and using this information to control when measurements are performed. The system only allows coordinate measurements when thermal equilibrium is detected, preventing temperature-induced errors while maintaining productivity by quickly transitioning to measurement mode once equilibrium is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing thermal equilibrium checks before allowing measurements to begin. The system proactively monitors temperature stability and prepares the measurement system in advance, ensuring that measurements are only taken when thermal conditions are optimal, thus preventing precision deterioration before it occurs.
3Reliability
If the device stabilizes temperature using active thermal management, then the reliability of measurement accuracy is improved, but the use of energy increases due to fan and heat exchanger operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the fan and heat exchanger only when temperature stabilization is required, rather than continuously. The system periodically checks thermal equilibrium status and activates thermal management components only when temperature drift is detected, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while reducing overall energy consumption through intermittent operation.
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
The solution effectively maintains measurement accuracy by stabilizing the optical scanning device's temperature, preventing data collection outside thermal equilibrium and adjusting for temperature fluctuations, thereby ensuring precise geometric coordinate determination.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one heat pipe can thermally connect at least one of the projector and the one or more cameras to the at least one heat exchanger. The at least one heat pipe can include a fluid that evaporates to transfer heat from a heat source to the heat exchanger and condenses back to a fluid at the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one heat pipe can include a fluid that evaporates to transfer heat from a heat source to the heat exchanger and condenses back to a fluid at the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 3
The at least one heat pipe can include a fluid that evaporates to transfer heat from a heat source to the heat exchanger and condenses back to a fluid at the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 4
The processor can be in communication with the temperature sensor and the fan and be configured to control the fan based at least on data from the temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal variations on an optical scanning device can affect measurements made by that device. Various ways are presented here to control the temperature of a device and compensate for temperature variations of the device.