Curved Optoelectronic Sensor Front Screen for Transmissivity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanner front screens require extensive resources and space for monitoring light transmissivity due to the need for multiple test light paths and receivers, which complicates contamination detection and increases manufacturing costs, especially in environments with environmental influences like fog or extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor with a circumferentially curved front screen that focuses light reflections, allowing a single test light path with a transmitter, reflector, and receiver to detect decreases in light transmissivity, reducing the number of required components and space by utilizing the front screen's curvature for focused light paths across the 360° range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple test light paths and receivers are used to monitor light transmissivity, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test light paths into a single integrated test light path by using a beam splitter to divide one test light beam into multiple paths that pass through different regions of the front screen. This merging approach maintains the ability to monitor light transmissivity across multiple areas while using only one test light transmitter and one test light receiver, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while preserving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single test light path is designed to serve multiple functions by monitoring light transmissivity through different regions of the front screen simultaneously. The beam splitter enables one test light source to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate test light systems, making the test light path universal for monitoring the entire front screen area
2Area of stationary object
If multiple test light receivers are distributed across the front screen, then light transmissivity monitoring coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple distributed receivers into a single receiver positioned at one location. The beam splitter directs light from different front screen regions to this single receiver, eliminating the need for multiple receivers distributed across the front screen area, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining full coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that redirects light from multiple front screen regions to a single receiver location. This intermediary device enables one receiver to monitor the entire front screen area without requiring physical distribution of multiple receivers, thus reducing spatial and structural complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a tilted front screen is used to deflect reflections, then measurement interference is reduced, but space requirements and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tilted planar front screen with a curved front screen that has optical focusing properties. This curved surface deflects reflections into a focus area away from the optical path, achieving the same interference reduction as a tilted screen but with a more compact geometry that is easier to manufacture and integrates better with the sensor housing
4Reliability
If the front screen is heated to prevent fogging, then operational reliability in environmental conditions is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the test light path continuously monitors light transmissivity through the front screen. When fogging or contamination is detected (indicated by reduced light transmission), the system can trigger cleaning mechanisms or alert operators, replacing the continuous energy-consuming heating approach with an on-demand response based on actual conditions
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
This design significantly reduces manufacturing costs and space requirements while ensuring reliable operation by effectively monitoring light transmissivity and preventing interference with the measurement, maintaining safety standards in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential front screen (42) with a curvature both in a circumferential direction and in a height direction transverse to the circumferential direction and thus with a circumferential focus area (46) in which light (44) reflected at the inside of the circumferential front screen (42) is focused
Implementation Method 2
at least one test light transmitter (50a-f), at least one reflector (52a-f), and at least one test light receiver (56a-b) form a test light path on which test light (54a-f) passes from the test light transmitter through the front screen to the reflector and subsequently onto the test light receiver
Implementation Method 3
an evaluation unit (36) which is configured to detect a decreasing light transmissivity of the front screen based on a decrease of a signal generated by the test light in the test light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) has a circumferential front screen (42) comprising a curvature both in a circumferential direction and in a transverse height, thus focusing light reflected at the inside of the front screen (42). Test light passes from a test light transmitter (50a-f) through the front screen (42) to a reflector (52a-f) and subsequently onto a test light receiver (56a-b). A decreasing light transmissivity of the front screen (42) is detected based on a decrease of a signal generated by the test light in the test light receiver (56a-b). The test light receiver (56a-b) is arranged on a same side of the front screen (42) as the reflector (52a-f) such that the test light path (54a-f) leads from the reflector (52a-f) via reflection on the inside of the front screen (42) to the test light receiver (56a-b).