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Optical displacement sensor and method for sensing linear displacements in a shock absorber

  • US 5,371,598 A
  • Filed: 10/07/1993
  • Issued: 12/06/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A device for sensing linear displacements between a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has a non-planar geometric shape, wherein the second member has a substantially similar non-planar geometric shape as the first member, wherein, from a first axis, the second member substantially encompasses the first member, and wherein the sensed linear displacements are along a first axis, the device comprises:

  • an optical code pattern disposed on a non-planar surface of the first member, wherein the optical code pattern at least partially encircles the first axis;

    an encircling optical sensor arranged on the second member, wherein the encircling optical sensor at least partially encircles the optical code pattern, wherein the encircling optical sensor senses the optical code pattern, and wherein the encircling optical sensor includes;

    at least one light transmitting path, wherein the at least one light transmitting path has a nonlinear geometry, and emits light on the optical code pattern to reflect off the optical code pattern to produce, at least a portion of the light off of the optical code pattern;

    a plurality of light receiving paths, wherein each of the plurality of light receiving paths has a nonlinear geometry, and wherein at least one of the light receiving paths receives the at least a portion of the light reflected off the optical code pattern emitted from the at least one light transmitting path; and

    a displacement calculation device, operably coupled to the encircling optical sensor, wherein the displacement calculation device calculates the displacement of the first member with respect to the second member.

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