Curved Sensor Unit Layout for Wider Light Control Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor units for light control have limited detection areas and logistical challenges in production, with existing solutions requiring additional adjustments and increasing the risk of assembly errors due to fixed sensor arrangements on flat substrates.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with at least two sensor elements arranged on a substrate body, where the detection areas partially overlap to enhance the overall detection area, allowing for spatial expansion and adaptation, and the substrate body serves as both a circuit carrier and light source alignment, reducing production effort and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensor elements are arranged on a flat substrate, then the arrangement is simple, but the detection area is limited and assembly errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate body is designed with a convexly curved surface instead of a flat plane. This curvature allows sensor elements to be arranged in three-dimensional space with tilted main detection directions, thereby expanding the overall detection area without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. The curved surface naturally positions sensors at different angles and locations, increasing detection coverage while maintaining a compact single-piece structure.
2Measurement precision
If sensor elements are fixed on a flat circuit board, then assembly is straightforward, but detection resolution and spatial coverage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat substrate arrangement to a three-dimensional curved surface arrangement. Sensor elements are positioned on the convexly curved surface with varied orientations, enabling detection from multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion improves detection resolution and spatial coverage while the single-piece molded substrate simplifies manufacturing and assembly by eliminating the need for separate mounting fixtures.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are arranged laterally offset on the same plane, then alignment is easy, but the overall detection area does not expand sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging sensor elements on a convexly curved surface rather than a flat plane, the invention enables sensors to be positioned with tilted main detection directions. This curved geometry allows the detection areas of individual sensors to overlap and combine more effectively, expanding the overall detection area beyond what is achievable with lateral offset arrangements on a flat surface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor unit (1) having a plurality of sensor elements (8a, b), the detection data of which are used for controlling an opto-electronic light source (5). According to the invention, the plurality of sensor elements are arranged on a substrate body (2), which is provided in the form of a molded circuit carrier made of a plastic material, and detect different regions and/or sizes.