Converging Axis Light Curtain for Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light curtains require placement on both sides of the monitoring area for reliable object detection, which limits their application, especially in scenarios like conveyor lines or checking filled crates, as detection reliability decreases near the edges.
Innovation Solution
A light curtain design with a transmitter bar and receiver bar where each transmitter forms a light scanner with a converging receiver axis at an angle of less than 180°, allowing for adjustable inclination to detect objects of specific heights, enabling reliable detection without the need for opposite edge placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light curtain elements are placed on both sides of the monitored area, then object detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver into a single housing unit, merging functions that were previously separated into two distinct components placed on opposite sides. This single integrated unit is positioned at one location, eliminating the need for coordination between two separate installations while maintaining detection reliability through the converging beam design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new geometric dimension by using converging light beams that meet at an angle less than 180 degrees. Instead of parallel beams traveling across a monitored area, the beams converge from a single position, creating a detection zone through spatial geometry rather than requiring opposite-side placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical scanners are used for applications where light curtains cannot be placed on both sides, then installation flexibility is improved, but detection reliability at edges worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a focused detection zone where light intensity is concentrated at the convergence point of the beams. This local concentration of optical energy ensures high detection reliability specifically at the target area and edges, rather than distributing energy uniformly as in scanning systems. Each position in the monitored area receives optimized light coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptation to different application scenarios by allowing the convergence angle and position to be adjusted. The system can be configured for different object sizes, distances, and monitoring requirements, providing both the flexibility of optical scanners and the reliability of fixed beam systems.
3Device complexity
If transmitters and receivers are arranged at opposite edges forming parallel beam axes, then the monitored area is flat and simple, but adaptability to detect objects of specific heights worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the beam configuration from parallel (180-degree angle) to converging (less than 180-degree angle). This parameter change allows the system to detect objects at various heights by adjusting the convergence point, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different object sizes and positions without complex reconfiguration.
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 reliable object detection in flat or spatial areas, including conveyor lines, without defined boundaries, allowing for a wide range of applications, such as detecting objects on conveyor lines, counting, and checking filled crates, with improved accuracy and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Light curtains of this type generally operate according to the light barrier principle. According to a first variant, such a light curtain has a transmitter bar with transmitters and a receiver bar with receivers
Implementation Method 2
Light curtains that operate according to the retro-reflective light barrier principle are also known. At the opposite edge of the monitored area is a reflector, particularly a retro-reflector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a light curtain (1) with a transmitter strip (2) comprising several transmitters (4), each having a transmitter axis, emitting light beams (3), and a receiver strip (6) comprising several receivers (7), each having a receiver axis, receiving light beams (3). Each transmitter (4) and its associated receiver (7) form a light switch, wherein the transmitter axis and the receiver axis of the light switch converge at an angle of less than 180° to each other.