Optoelectronic Sensor 3D Scanning with Integrated Tilting Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanners face challenges in scanning three-dimensional spatial areas without the need for complex mechanical movements or additional deflection units, leading to increased costs and optical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient 3D scanner head is created by integrating a rotating mirror with an autonomous tilting unit, allowing the scanning plane to be varied independently without external control or data connections, using piezo elements for tilting and wireless energy supply, and incorporating synchronization and feedback sensors for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional deflection unit (oscillating mirror) is used to scan three-dimensional space, then the scanning capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deflection unit and tilting unit into a single integrated structure. The deflection unit has a first deflection element for scanning in a first direction and a second deflection element for tilting in a second direction perpendicular to the first, eliminating the need for separate oscillating mirrors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining 3D scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection unit serves multiple functions: it performs both the primary scanning function (deflecting the scanning beam across the surveillance plane) and the secondary tilting function (pivoting the scanning plane to cover different angular ranges). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving comprehensive three-dimensional coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If two deflection units are used to achieve three-dimensional scanning, then the scanning range is improved, but the optical and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate deflection units into one integrated deflection unit with two deflection elements. The first deflection element handles the primary scanning while the second deflection element handles the tilting, reducing mechanical complexity and the number of moving parts while maintaining the ability to scan three-dimensional space
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning plane is pivoted using an additional oscillating mirror, then the three-dimensional coverage is improved, but the transmission and reception signal losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the tilting function into the existing deflection unit rather than adding a separate oscillating mirror, the patent reduces the number of optical interfaces and moving parts. This minimizes signal losses from additional reflections and transmissions while achieving the same three-dimensional coverage
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 solution enables simple expansion of the monitoring range to capture three-dimensional spatial areas with a double cone or freely configurable scanning planes, reducing mechanical complexity and eliminating the need for external control or data transmission, while maintaining accurate synchronization and energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
using piezo elements for tilting
Implementation Method 2
a deflection unit, for example a rotating mirror, with the aid of which a plane is scanned by periodic deflection
Implementation Method 3
the propagation time from the scanner into the scenery and back is measured and distance data are calculated using the speed of light
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of expanding a monitoring area of a photoelectric sensor by simple means.SOLUTION: A photoelectric sensor 10 is for detecting objects in a monitoring area 20 having two or more scanning planes, and includes: a light emitter 12 for emitting a light beam 16; a movable scanning unit 40 having a deflector unit 18 for cyclically deflecting the light beam 16 onto the scanning planes; a photoreceiver 26 for producing a photoreception signal from light beams 22 diffusely or directly reflected from the monitoring area 20; and evaluation units 48a and 48b configured to detect objects on the basis of the photoreception signal. The deflector unit 18 can be tilted to change the scanning planes and so, the scanning unit 40 has independent tilting units 30a, 30b and 32 for tilting the deflector unit 18.