Scanning Light-Guiding Encoder Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-guiding encoders face limitations in resolution due to diffraction issues and the need to maintain a fixed grating wheel diameter and blade count, which restricts their ability to generate distinct sequential signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The scanning light-guiding encoder employs a light-guiding grating wheel with aspherical projections and an optical sensing module where sensor elements have offset exposed sensing areas along horizontal lines, allowing for improved resolution without increasing the grating wheel dimension or blade count, and preventing light diffraction by maintaining a constant light beam width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of blades is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution increases, but the outer diameter of the grating wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grating wheel into multiple segments or uses a multi-layer structure where each layer contributes to the overall resolution. This allows achieving high resolution without requiring a single large-diameter grating wheel, as the resolution is accumulated through segmented structures working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar grating structure to a three-dimensional multi-layer or multi-segment structure. By adding the dimension of depth or stacking multiple grating layers, the system achieves higher resolution without increasing the radial diameter, as the additional resolution comes from the vertical or depth dimension.
2Measurement precision
If the width of blades is decreased to increase resolution, then the resolution increases, but light diffraction causes signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element or structure between the light source and the grating blades, or modifies the blade structure itself, to act as a mediator that controls and minimizes diffraction effects. This intermediary structure helps maintain sharp light boundaries and reduces the harmful diffraction signals that would otherwise interfere with resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system, such as the wavelength of light, the geometry of the blade edges, or the spacing between blades, to optimize the balance between resolution and diffraction. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high resolution while minimizing the diffraction-induced signal interference.
3Measurement precision
If the distance between sensors is decreased to improve resolution, then the resolution increases, but the complexity of the optical sensing module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing elements or integrates multiple detection functions into a single compact optical sensing module. By combining multiple sensors or detection channels into one integrated unit with shared optical paths and processing circuits, the system achieves high resolution without proportionally increasing the overall module complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical sensing module so that a single sensor or sensor array performs multiple functions, such as detecting both position and direction, or serving multiple measurement purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining high resolution through efficient use of the sensor capabilities.
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 design enhances the encoder's resolution by enabling the generation of more distinct signals with improved light management, allowing for higher precision in movement tracking without increasing the physical dimensions or complexity of the encoder components.
Implementation Method 1
a light-guiding grating wheel (1) for focusing the light emitted by the light-emitting module (2) onto the optical sensing module (3)
Implementation Method 2
due to the diffraction of the light, the extent that the width of the blades can be decreased is also limited
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure provides a scanning light-guiding encoder by forward focusing including a light-guiding grating wheel, a light-emitting module and an optical sensing module. The light-emitting module is surrounded by the light-guiding grating wheel. The optical sensing module includes a plurality of sensor elements adjacent to the light-guiding grating wheel, and a plurality of exposed sensor areas of the plurality of sensor elements are offset in the transverse direction and are arranged along a plurality of different horizontal lines parallel to each other.