Gate Light Grid Object Detection Plausibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gate security systems can be manipulated by placing narrow objects below the gate edge, leading to incorrect object detection and potential damage, as they fail to continuously utilize all light barriers for differentiation between the gate edge and objects.

Innovation Solution

A gate security system incorporating a light grid device with transmitting and receiving elements, an evaluation device for distinguishing between the gate edge and objects, a position sensor for gate position detection, and a control device for plausibility checks to generate safety signals, ensuring accurate object detection and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the gate security system uses light barriers to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the system can be manipulated by placing narrow objects below the gate edge, leading to incorrect detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent light barriers arranged in a grid pattern, with each light barrier independently capable of detecting objects. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between the gate edge (which interrupts multiple light barriers) and narrow objects (which interrupt only one light barrier), thereby preventing manipulation while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-line light barrier arrangement to a two-dimensional light grid arrangement. This dimensional change enables the system to detect the position and characteristics of objects more accurately by observing which specific light barriers are interrupted, allowing differentiation between gate edge and object detections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the system deactivates the next light barrier before the gate edge crosses it, then sensitivity for object recognition is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject recognition sensitivityVSAvoidlight barrier control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system deactivates the next light barrier in advance before the gate edge reaches it, based on the detected position of the gate edge. This preliminary action ensures that the light barrier is ready to detect objects immediately when the gate edge passes, improving sensitivity without requiring complex real-time processing during the critical detection moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of light barrier states, where the activation and deactivation of light barriers changes based on the real-time position of the gate edge. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize detection sensitivity while managing complexity through state-based control rather than continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the system uses only the interrupted light barrier closest to the gate edge for detection, then the response time is reduced, but the system can be manipulated by narrow objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection response speedVSAvoidmanipulation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function across multiple light barriers rather than relying on a single light barrier. Each light barrier in the grid contributes to the overall detection, allowing the system to maintain fast response by using the closest interrupted light barrier while preventing manipulation by requiring consistent interruption patterns across multiple barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple light barriers to verify detection accuracy. By monitoring which light barriers are interrupted and in what pattern, the system can confirm whether a detected object is legitimate or a manipulation attempt, maintaining both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The system enhances security by accurately differentiating between the gate edge and objects, reducing the risk of damage and improving user safety by generating safety signals even in case of incorrect evaluations, and allowing for position-dependent control of the gate movement.

Implementation Method 1

a light grid device (7) with at least 2 transmitting elements (9) and with at least 2 receiving elements (11) for the formation of light barrier beams (12) in the plane of movement for detecting an object (25) in the plane of movement and the door edge (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight barrier detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2845985B1Gate securing system
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 CEDES AG
  • EP2845985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845985B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Improved gate safety system (2) for securing a gate with a gate edge (5) against collision with an object, comprising a light grid device with at least two transmitting elements (8, 9) and with at least two receiving elements (10, 11) for forming light barrier beams in the plane of motion for detecting an object in the plane of motion and the gate edge; an evaluation device (15) which is configured to distinguish between an object or a gate edge based on the detection by the light grid device and to generate a safety signal when an object is detected;a position sensor device which is designed separately from the light curtain device for detecting a position of the gate and for outputting a position signal which corresponds to a position range of the gate edge, wherein the evaluation device is further configured to generate a verification signal due to the interruption of a specific light barrier beam of the light curtain device and a control device (21) is present and configured to perform a plausibility check depending on the position signal and the verification signal and to generate a safety signal depending on the plausibility check.