Sensor Component Stabilization Using Segmented Retaining Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors with adjustable emitters experience significant alignment drift due to temperature changes, as they rely solely on screws balanced by springs for alignment, which are not stable enough to maintain precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plurality of retaining members, including resilient and adjustable members, is used to stabilize the sensor component, with additional rigid members and glue to secure the emitter within the housing, allowing for convenient adjustment while maintaining alignment stability across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws balanced by springs are used to hold the emitter barrel, then the alignment can be adjusted conveniently, but the alignment undergoes significant drift as ambient temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is divided into multiple independent retaining members (first retaining member, second retaining member, third retaining member) that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each retaining member can be independently engaged with the emitter barrel at different locations, allowing for segmented control of the alignment while maintaining overall stability through the combined effect of all members
Solution Approach 2:
Different retaining members are positioned at different locations on the emitter barrel (e.g., first retaining member at a first location, second retaining member at a second location, third retaining member at a third location). This distributed positioning ensures that temperature-induced expansion or contraction affects multiple points uniformly, maintaining the relative alignment stability while still allowing local adjustment at any specific location
2Stability of the object's composition
If glue is used to maintain alignment after adjustment, then the alignment stability improves, but the ability to readjust the emitter is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are pre-positioned and engaged with the emitter barrel before final alignment is achieved. This preliminary mechanical retention allows the emitter to be held in place during the alignment process, and once the desired alignment is reached, the retaining members can be securely engaged to lock the position without requiring additional adhesive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members serve as intermediary elements between the emitter barrel and the housing structure. These intermediaries provide a mechanical connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged, replacing the need for permanent adhesive bonding while maintaining stable alignment. The retaining members mediate the connection in a way that allows for future adjustment if needed
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 minimizes alignment variability over a wide temperature range, ensuring the emitter returns to its original position after temperature changes, providing improved stability and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the adjustable retaining member to reposition the portion of the sensor component relative to the support and deform the resilient retaining member
Implementation Method 2
filling a space between the portion of the sensor component and the support with a glue
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for stabilizing a sensor component includes: positioning the sensor component relative to a support with retaining members in contact with the sensor component, a first of the retaining members being a resilient biasing member and a second one of the retaining members being an adjustable retaining member; adjusting the adjustable retaining member to reposition the sensor component and deform the resilient retaining member; immobilizing the sensor component with an additional, rigid retaining member in contact with the sensor component; and filling a space between the sensor component and the support with a glue. An example holder of a sensor component includes support members; retaining members adapted to cooperatively adjustably retain the sensor component support members; and an additional, rigid retaining member adapted to cooperate with other retaining members to fixedly retain the sensor component.