Self-Aligning Vision Bracket Assembly for Calibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with vision systems face calibration issues due to external forces causing relative movement between emitter and receiver components, leading to inaccurate dimensional information determination.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning bracket assembly with a transparent cover and alignment module that secures the vision system modules, maintaining their spatial relationship without direct mechanical fastening, and using flexible spring elements to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the emitter-receiver pair is calibrated and relies upon a spatial relationship between components, then accurate dimensional information can be determined, but any relative shifting or movement of components causes the pair to fall out of calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system is divided into separate modules (emitter, receiver, bracket assembly) that can be independently positioned and aligned. The bracket assembly acts as an independent segment that carries both the emitter and receiver, allowing them to be calibrated together as a unit while maintaining their spatial relationship during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly serves as an intermediary structure between the enclosure and the vision system modules. It provides a stable platform that maintains the calibrated spatial relationship between the emitter and receiver, isolating them from external forces that could cause misalignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket assembly is directly attached to the enclosure, then the vision system is fixed in position, but external forces transmitted to the bracket cause relative movement and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed with compliance features that anticipate and cushion against external forces before they can cause misalignment. The non-rigid attachment allows the bracket to absorb shocks and vibrations, preventing them from transmitting to the calibrated emitter-receiver pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment characteristics of the bracket assembly are changed from rigid to compliant, allowing controlled movement in response to external forces. This parameter change enables the bracket to maintain the vision system's position while accommodating environmental variations without causing calibration errors.
3Reliability
If the bracket assembly lacks direct attachment to the enclosure, then the vision system is isolated from external forces, but additional alignment mechanisms are required to maintain proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed to self-align with the enclosure using built-in alignment features. The bracket carries alignment marks or mechanical features that automatically guide its positioning during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is merged into the bracket assembly itself rather than being a separate process. The bracket incorporates alignment features directly into its structure, combining the mounting and alignment functions into a single integrated component that simplifies the overall system.
4Measurement precision
If modules of the vision system are held at a predetermined distance, then accurate depth mapping can be performed, but external forces can cause relative shifting that disrupts this spatial relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates flexible or compliant elements that can deform elastically in response to external forces. This allows the bracket to absorb force while maintaining the rigid spatial relationship between the emitter and receiver modules, preventing calibration disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly uses composite construction combining rigid elements (to maintain module spacing) with compliant elements (to resist external forces). This composite structure provides both the structural integrity needed for precise positioning and the flexibility needed to withstand environmental forces.
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
Ensures accurate object recognition and three-dimensional profile creation without recalibration, even under external forces, by maintaining the fixed distance between vision system modules and preventing relative movement.
Implementation Method 1
The spring elements can be inserted between the bracket assembly and the enclosure, or between modules carried by the bracket assembly, to maintain the modules in a floating state
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that includes a vision system carried by a bracket assembly is disclosed. The vision system may include a first camera module that captures an image of an object, a light emitting element that emits light rays toward the object, and a second camera module that receives light rays reflected from the object. The light rays may include infrared light rays. The bracket assembly is designed not only carry the aforementioned modules, but to also maintain a predetermined and fixed separation between the modules. The bracket assembly may form a rigid, multi-piece bracket assembly to prevent bending, thereby maintaining the predetermined separation. The electronic device may include a transparent cover designed to couple with a housing. The transparent cover includes an alignment module designed to engage a module and provide a moving force that aligns the bracket assembly and the modules to a desired location in the housing.