Distance Sensor Strip for Motor Door Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for motor-powered doors lack effective detection of obstacles during movement, often relying on light curtains that only indicate interruption rather than precise location of objects, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising distance sensors, such as infrared or time-of-flight sensors, arranged in a strip along the guide to detect obstacles by determining their distance from the moving element, allowing for improved detection and integration into a compact design that can be mounted offset from the movement range to reduce risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional photo-electric barriers are used to detect obstacles, then the monitoring range can be established, but the detection precision is insufficient as only light ray interruption can be determined without precise location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional photo-electric barrier detection (which only detects light ray interruption) with distance sensors that use electromagnetic radiation (infrared or laser) to measure actual distance to objects. This substitution enables precise location determination while maintaining relatively simple sensor arrangements, particularly with sensors positioned parallel to the guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from binary light interruption detection to continuous distance measurement. By using distance sensors that emit electromagnetic rays and measure the distance to objects based on reflected or received signals, the system achieves precise location information without requiring complex sensor arrangements.
2Reliability
If sensors are arranged within or next to the guide to monitor the movement range, then the monitoring effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damage from the moving element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions sensors in advance at locations parallel to the guide, before the moving element reaches the sensor position. This preliminary positioning allows the sensors to detect objects in the movement range without being in the direct path of the moving element, thus preventing damage while maintaining monitoring effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses offset positioning of sensors parallel to the guide as an intermediary arrangement. Instead of placing sensors directly in the path of the moving element (which would risk damage), the sensors are positioned at a distance, using electromagnetic radiation to detect objects in the monitoring range, thus mediating between safety monitoring requirements and sensor protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are arranged offset from the movement range to reduce damage risk, then the sensor protection is improved, but the monitoring range coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging sensors directly in the movement path to positioning them in a parallel dimension alongside the guide. This dimensional change allows sensors to monitor the movement range through electromagnetic radiation while being positioned outside the direct path of the moving element, thus maintaining coverage while reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sensor arrangement that serves multiple functions: it monitors the movement range for obstacle detection, protects sensors from damage by offset positioning, and provides precise distance measurement. The parallel arrangement alongside the guide achieves these multiple objectives simultaneously.
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
Enhances obstacle detection precision, reduces risk of collisions by determining the exact location and distance of objects, enabling more reliable monitoring and control of the moving element's movement, and can be integrated into a safety device for motor-powered doors.
Implementation Method 1
the sensors are embodied as distance sensors for determining the distance from the object
Implementation Method 2
The sensors comprise a transmitter and a receiver for emitting and receiving electromagnetic rays
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device is proposed for monitoring a mobile moving element, guided in a guide, with respect to undesired collisions of the moving element with an object which is located in a monitoring range, having at least two sensors for sensing the object, wherein the sensors comprise a transmitter and a receiver for emitting and receiving electromagnetic rays, wherein the sensors are arranged one next to the other in such a way that they can be mounted parallel to the guide, and the sensors are also oriented in such a way that the rays emitted by them penetrate the monitoring range. In order to enable improved obstacle recognition, the sensors are embodied as distance sensors for determining the distance from the object. In addition, a safety device, a door and a method for monitoring the movement are proposed.