Gate System Light Barrier Segmentation for Non-Linear Path Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rod-shaped light grids for gate systems are cumbersome, difficult to install, and inefficient due to their fixed length, complex alignment requirements, and inability to adapt to non-linear gate paths, leading to resource waste and high maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A gate system with separate light barrier elements attached to a running rail, allowing for flexible placement and connection via a common cable, enabling optimal detection of obstacles along non-linear paths without the need for lengthy rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rod-shaped light grids are used, then the light barrier elements are permanently fixed and aligned, but the installation becomes complex and alignment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed alignment of light barrier elementsVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rod-shaped light grid is divided into separate light barrier elements that can be individually attached to the guide rail at different positions. This segmentation allows flexible installation without complex alignment, as each element can be independently positioned and secured to the rail structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If long poles (up to three meters) are used, then the light curtain coverage is sufficient, but shipping results in significant damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight curtain coverage lengthVSAvoidshipping damage rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of shipping one long rod, the system uses multiple separate light barrier elements that can be shipped individually in compact forms. These elements are then assembled on-site along the guide rail, achieving the required three-meter coverage without the fragility and damage risks of long rod structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If light barrier elements are attached close to the gate profile, then the detection accuracy is improved, but structural limitations prevent installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light barrier elements are integrated with the guide rail structure itself, which serves as both the mechanical guide for the gate and the mounting structure for the light barriers. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and allows optimal positioning close to the gate profile while respecting structural constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If multiple light barrier elements are cast into a rod, then the structure is rigid, but repairs require complete system replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidsystem replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The light barrier elements are separate, modular components rather than being permanently cast into a single rod. This segmentation maintains the functional integrity of each element while enabling individual replacement if one fails, eliminating the need to replace the entire system and reducing maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Productivity

If mass-produced light grids are used, then availability is improved, but adaptability to specific gate requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing availabilityVSAvoidcustomization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized, mass-producible light barrier elements that can be individually selected and positioned according to specific gate requirements. This modular approach allows customization of the light grid configuration (number of elements, spacing, positions) while benefiting from the cost efficiencies of mass-producing individual standard components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

6Ease of manufacture

If straight rod elements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptation to arc-shaped gate paths is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcurved path compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is divided into multiple segments, and light barrier elements are attached to these segments according to the specific geometry of the gate path. For arc-shaped paths, elements are positioned along the curved trajectory, while straight sections use linear arrangements. This segmented approach allows the same standardized elements to adapt to any path geometry without requiring specialized curved rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution simplifies installation, reduces waste, and allows for adaptable light grid configurations, improving obstacle detection and reducing maintenance costs by enabling flexible placement and connection of light barrier elements along the running rail.

Implementation Method 1

several light barrier elements (10) for detecting a free travel path of the gate element (50)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3530855B1Gate system

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 MARANTEC ANTRIEBS UND STEUERUNQSTECHNIK GMBH & CO PRODUKTIONS KG(DE)

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a gate system comprising: at least one movable gate element, at least one guide rail for guiding the gate element, and at least one light barrier element for detecting a free travel path of the gate element, characterized in that the at least one guide rail has a recess to which the at least one light barrier element is attached.