Reflective area detection - optical lap counter

[Rikr09]

Hello,

I have a device as you can see on the image attached that always is always spinning around an axis. It has a reflective surface that i want to use to detect it and count it as a lap. So, i don't know which kind of optical sensor use or which idea could you give me to do this. I hope to use a microcontroller with ultra low consumption so i would like that all my application remain with this important feature.

I would like you help me with this. Thanks!

 

[kripacharya]

Use any of 100's of photodetectors, IR sensors, LDRs etc to detect reflection. Count the pulses time the pulses. Use Schmitt gates.

It's simple enough.

 

[BradtheRad]

I hope to use a microcontroller with ultra low consumption so i would like that all my application remain with this important feature.

The flywheel needs to be illuminated if you wish to use optical detection. You must shine a light on it unless there is ambient light present. Light needs to reflect from it exactly onto the sensor. An led (visible or IR) runs on a certain amount of milli-Amps. Ultra low power consumption may not be feasible.

 

[spudboy488]

Optical reflective sensors have both illumination and detection. I would suggest an analog version and detect the relative change in output voltage of the shiny spot vs the other part of the flywheel.

https://www.digikey.com/products/en/sensors-transducers/optical-sensors-reflective-analog-output/546