Gate Leaf Path Deviation Detection Using Light Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door systems, particularly those of great height, face challenges in reliably detecting when a vehicle or object has left the predetermined path during closure, leading to potential damage and high maintenance costs, with existing safety devices being inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light grid monitoring system that evaluates the chronological sequence of signal path interruptions to generate control signals, allowing for immediate stopping of the door leaf movement when deviations from a predetermined time sequence occur, thereby preventing damage without the need for additional mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional mechanical switches are installed to detect vehicle impact and path deviation, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light grid is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects both the presence of objects/persons in the door area and monitors path deviation of the door leaf during closure. By evaluating the chronological sequence of signal path interruptions, the same light grid system provides both safety monitoring and path verification without requiring separate mechanical switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical contact rails or impact switches that require physical contact and are prone to wear and faults, the system uses light beams and optical sensors to detect path deviations and object presence, eliminating mechanical components and their associated reliability issues.
2Reliability
If multiple light grids are installed to monitor the entire door lifting area, then safety coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light grid is designed to fulfill multiple monitoring functions simultaneously. By strategically positioning the light beams and using chronological sequence evaluation, the system achieves comprehensive safety coverage for the entire door lifting area without requiring multiple separate light grids, thus maintaining safety while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is segmented into multiple light beams within a single light grid, where each beam covers a specific zone. The evaluation of interruption sequences across different beams provides comprehensive coverage information, effectively dividing the monitoring task into manageable segments that together ensure complete safety coverage.
3Reliability
If light barrier arrangements are used to detect objects in the path, then safety function is improved, but inability to detect path deviation remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the chronological sequence of light beam interruptions to determine both object presence and path deviation. By analyzing the order and timing of beam blockages, the control device receives feedback information that reveals whether the door leaf followed its predetermined path or deviated during closure, enabling comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The light grid is positioned and configured in advance to cover the entire door lifting area with multiple beams. The predetermined sequence of beam interruptions is established before door operation, allowing the system to compare actual interruption sequences against the expected pattern and detect path deviations before damage occurs.
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 enhances operational reliability by detecting path deviations and preventing damage through controlled door movement, reducing maintenance efforts and costs, especially for taller doors.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter arrangement (30) with a plurality of light sources for generating light signals which extend longitudinally parallel to the leading edge of the door leaf during the closing movement of the door leaf and are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the specified path. On the other hand, a receiver arrangement (40) for the light beams emitted by the transmitter arrangement (30) is attached
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a gate with a gate leaf movable along a predetermined path, preferably having a substantially straight section, between a closed position and an open position, a control device designed to control the gate leaf movement and to generate first control signals, preferably for stopping the gate leaf movement, when the gate leaf leaves the predetermined path, wherein the control device is associated with a transmitter arrangement for generating two, three or more signals propagating approximately along perpendicular to the predetermined path and approximately parallel to an edge of the gate leaf that advances during a closing movement and arranged one after the other in the direction of gate leaf movement, wherein the signal paths are interrupted one after the other during the closing movement and/or released one after the other during an opening movement, in particularfrom the edge of the gate leaf that advances during the closing movement.