Triangulation Sensor Device for Surface Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Triangulation sensors, particularly those with a single light source, are unable to directly detect differences in height or transitions such as edges and grooves on surfaces, limiting their ability to measure surface profiles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that splits a light beam into two partial beams, allowing simultaneous distance measurements on two different surface areas using a single illumination device and light sensor, with a processor to detect and process the reflections, enabling efficient detection of surface profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate displacement sensors are used to detect height differences, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light beam into two partial beams using a beam splitter, allowing one sensor to perform measurements on two different surface areas simultaneously. This segmentation of the light path enables multi-point measurement without requiring multiple complete sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single sensor system by using optical components (beam splitter, mirrors) to direct light from one light source to multiple surface areas and collect reflections from both areas onto one sensor, thereby merging the functionality of what would otherwise require separate sensors.
2Productivity
If multiple light sources and sensors are used for simultaneous distance measurements, then measurement efficiency is improved, but device dimensions and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source and single sensor system is made multi-functional through the use of beam splitting and optical path management, allowing the same components to perform distance measurements on multiple surface areas simultaneously, thereby achieving universality without increasing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical intermediaries (beam splitter, mirrors, optical paths) are introduced to enable one light source to illuminate multiple surface areas and one sensor to detect reflections from multiple areas, acting as mediators that multiply the functional capability without adding proportional hardware.
3Device complexity
If a single light beam is used for measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect surface profile differences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single point to multiple points by introducing spatial dimensionality through optical path splitting, allowing the system to measure distances at different locations simultaneously while maintaining the simplicity of a single light source and sensor.
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
Enables cost-effective and compact measurement of surface profiles with the ability to detect changes in distance and movement speed, allowing for efficient profiling of surfaces like tire treads with a small and simple sensor device.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device (107) which is designed to split the light beam (105) into a first partial light beam (109) and a second partial light beam (111)... the optics device being designed to direct the first partial light beam (109) in the direction of a first surface area (113)... and to emit the second partial light beam (111) in the direction of a second surface area (115)
Implementation Method 2
an optical device (107) which is designed to split the light beam (105) into a first partial light beam (109) and a second partial light beam (111)
Implementation Method 3
a light sensor (117), which is designed to have a reflection (109-1) of the first partial light beam (109) on the first surface area (113) and a reflection (111-1) of the second partial light beam (111) on the second surface area (115)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (100) for measuring a surface (101), comprising: a lighting device (103) for emitting a light beam (105); an optical device (107) configured to split the light beam (105) into a first partial light beam (109) and a second partial light beam (111), wherein the optical device (107) is configured to emit the first partial light beam (109) in the direction of a first surface area (113) of the surface (101) and to emit the second partial light beam (111) in the direction of a second surface area (115) of the surface (101); a light sensor (117) configured to receive a reflection (109-1) of the first partial light beam (109) at the first surface area (113) and a reflection (111-1) of the second partial light beam (111) at the second surface area (115);and a processor (119) which is configured to detect a distance of the first surface area (113) and the second surface area (115) to the sensor device (100) on the basis of the respective position of the reflection (109-1) of the first partial light beam (109) and the reflection (111-1) of the second partial light beam (111) on the light sensor (117).