Split Electrode Optical Sensor for 3D Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detectors for determining object positions are complex and costly, requiring sophisticated manufacturing and evaluation processes, and lack efficient methods for simultaneously sensing transversal and longitudinal components at high resolution.
Innovation Solution
A detector comprising a split electrode optical sensor with photovoltaic material between electrodes, generating sensor signals based on light beam cross-section, and an evaluation device to determine transversal and longitudinal positions using pairs of partial electrodes and their sums, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical detectors are used to determine object positions, then position detection capability is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is divided into multiple sensor regions (first sensor region, second sensor region, third sensor region, fourth sensor region) arranged in a specific pattern. Each region independently detects light from different spatial positions, enabling position determination through signal comparison without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The detector combines multiple sensor regions and evaluation devices into a single integrated unit. The evaluation device processes signals from all sensor regions simultaneously to determine both transversal and longitudinal positions, merging detection functions that would otherwise require separate devices
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated manufacturing processes are used to achieve high detection resolution, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor regions are assigned specific functional roles based on their spatial arrangement. The first and second sensor regions detect light for transversal position determination, while the third and fourth sensor regions contribute to longitudinal position determination. This local specialization enables high-resolution detection through simple geometric arrangement rather than complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor uses a composite structure combining multiple sensor regions with different detection characteristics. The evaluation device integrates signals from these regions to achieve high-resolution position detection, effectively creating a composite detection system that outperforms individual simple sensors
3Measurement precision
If complex evaluation processes are implemented to extract position information, then measurement precision improves, but processing time and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor regions are pre-configured in specific geometric arrangements that correspond to different spatial directions. The evaluation device uses predetermined evaluation rules based on this pre-established geometry to quickly determine position from raw signals, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations
4Ease of manufacture
If simple detector structures are used, then ease of manufacture improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detector transitions from simple one-dimensional linear sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional array of sensor regions. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous detection in multiple spatial directions (transversal and longitudinal), achieving high measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity through geometric arrangement rather than complex component design
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 fast, cost-efficient, and reliable spatial detection with reduced effort, providing high-resolution transversal and longitudinal position information without complex manufacturing or evaluation processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic material embedded in between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the photovoltaic material is adapted to generate electric charges in response to an illumination of the photovoltaic material with light
Data Source
AI summary
A detector (110) and a method for optically determining a position of at least one object (112). The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114) for determining a position of at least one light beam (134) and at least one evaluation device (164) for generating at least one item of information on a transversal position of the object (112) and at least one item of information on a longitudinal position of the object (112). The sensor (114) has at least a first electrode (126) and a second electrode (128). At least one photovoltaic material (130) is embedded in between the first electrode (126) and the second electrode (128). The first electrode (126) or the second electrode (128) is a split electrode (136) having at least three partial electrodes (140, 142, 144, 146). The detector and the method can determine three-dimensional coordinates of an object in a fast and efficient way.