Sensor Housing for Linear Guide Optical Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrumented linear motion devices with photoluminescent optical fibers and photosensitive sensors face issues such as breakage of the optical fiber, difficulty in precise positioning of the sensor, and require specific tools for harness shortening, leading to a weak connection between the fiber and sensor.
Innovation Solution
A rigid structure is achieved by fixing a sensor housing directly to the guide rail with releasable housing securing means, allowing easy access and alignment of the photosensitive sensor relative to the photoluminescent optical fiber, using set screws and clamping screws to secure the sensor in place, and integrating a lens with the photoelectric transducer for improved signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the photoluminescent optical fibre is connected directly to the photosensitive sensor, then the device structure is simple, but the connection is weak and the optical fibre is breakable
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor housing is introduced as an intermediary component between the photoluminescent optical fibre and the photosensitive sensor. The housing provides a protective structure that reinforces the connection interface, preventing direct exposure of the fragile optical fibre end to external stresses while maintaining signal transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is designed with recesses and positioning features that pre-align and protect the optical fibre end before the sensor is installed. This beforehand preparation ensures that the fibre is properly positioned and protected from bending or breaking during subsequent assembly and operation, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If the photosensitive sensor is positioned precisely at the end of the photoluminescent optical fibre, then signal transmission is optimized, but the positioning is difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing incorporates pre-formed recesses and positioning features that establish the correct sensor position before the sensor is installed. The housing acts as a pre-positioning fixture, ensuring that when the sensor is placed in the housing, it is automatically aligned at the optimal position relative to the optical fibre end, eliminating the need for complex post-installation alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is designed with self-aligning features such as tapered guides, cam mechanisms, or spring-loaded positioning elements that automatically adjust the sensor position during installation. This self-service mechanism ensures precise positioning without requiring external alignment tools or skilled manual adjustment, making the positioning process intuitive and repeatable.
3Strength
If the sensor housing is fixed rigidly to the guide rail, then the structure is coherent and robust, but the sensor alignment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: the sensor housing that provides rigid mounting to the guide rail, and the sensor positioning mechanism within the housing that provides alignment flexibility. This segmentation allows the housing-s rail connection to be rigid and robust while the internal sensor positioning remains adjustable, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and alignment adaptability.
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 configuration enhances the robustness of the connection between the photoluminescent optical fiber and the photosensitive sensor, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying alignment, while providing a coherent and secure interface for reliable signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a photoluminescent optical fibre received in the groove, and a photosensitive sensor faces an end of the photoluminescent optical fibre. The carriage is provided with a light source for transversally illuminating the photoluminescent optical fibre. The light source emits digital signals which excite transversally the photoluminescent optical fibre. In response to the excitation, the photoluminescent optical fibre emits a secondary digital light signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an instrumented linear motion device (10) comprising a guide rail (12) having an end portion (44) and provided with a guideway (14) for guiding a carriage (16). The guide rail (12) is provided with a linear groove (30) and equipped with a photoluminescent optical fibre (28) received in the linear groove (30). The linear groove (30) has an open end (39) opened at the axial end (40) of the guide rail (12) and the instrumented linear motion device (10) further comprises a sensor housing (42) fixed to the end portion (44) of the guide rail (12). The sensor housing receives a photosensitive sensor (46), which faces an end (58) of the photoluminescent optical fibre (28).