TTL Laser Range Sensor Optical Adapter for Lens Pupil Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
TTL laser probes are designed for specific objective lens entrance pupil sizes, requiring costly redesigns when used with different lenses, leading to suboptimal performance in height measurement sensitivity, range, and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A Galilean or Keplerian optical adapter system that expands or contracts the TTL sensor radiation to match the objective lens entrance pupil size, allowing flexible use with multiple lens sizes without altering the probe's optical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TTL laser probe is designed for a specific objective lens entrance pupil size, then measurement precision is optimized for that lens, but adaptability to different lens sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An optical adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the TTL laser probe and the objective lens. This adapter contains optical elements (lenses or mirrors) that transform the radiation beam diameter to match the entrance pupil size of different objective lenses, allowing the probe to work optimally with multiple lens sizes without redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter changes the physical parameter of the radiation beam (diameter) to match different entrance pupil sizes. By adjusting the beam diameter through optical transformation, the system adapts to different objective lenses while maintaining optimal measurement performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If TTL laser probe is redesigned to match a different objective lens entrance pupil size, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into three independent components: the TTL laser probe, the optical adapter, and the objective lens. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the adapter serving as a flexible interface that can be configured for different lens sizes without modifying the probe itself
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter serves as a universal interface that can adapt the TTL laser probe to work with multiple different objective lens sizes. Rather than redesigning the probe for each lens, the single adapter component provides multi-functionality across different lens configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If TTL laser probe is redesigned for different objective lens sizes, then adaptability improves, but loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adapter is designed and configured in advance to match specific objective lens entrance pupil sizes. This preliminary preparation allows quick swapping between different adapter-lens combinations without requiring time-consuming redesign or remanufacturing of the TTL laser probe itself
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 optimum performance in height sensitivity, range, and accuracy without redesigning the laser probe, saving time and resources by adapting to different objective lens sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A Galilean or Keplerian optical adapter system that expands or contracts the TTL sensor radiation to match the objective lens entrance pupil size
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter and method for through the lens (TTL) laser range sensor probes enables use of a TTL probe of a given exit pupil size to be used with a shared objective lens requiring a entrance pupil size, as entered from the laser range sensor, that is different from the TTL probe exit pupil size. Embodiments of the adapter include optics, such as a first lens and a resolving second lens that expand or contract the TTL laser radiation depending on whether the first lens is a diverging, a negative focal length lens, or a converging, positive focal length lens, and the second lens is converging or diverging, respectively, in a Galilean arrangement. Embodiments also provide a Keplerian arrangement, can function with non-collimated radiation, and can include mirrors to yield a more compact adapter. Additional embodiments include at least one adjustable lens element between the first and second lenses, the at least one adjustable lens element being connected to an actuator for movement along the optical path. The adapter can be arranged in a folded configuration in which mirrors are used to form a more compact adapter.