Gate Wing Safety Light Curtain for Swing Gate Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing gate systems lack effective protection mechanisms to quickly stop or reverse motor-driven gate wings when obstacles are detected, posing safety risks due to inadequate detection and response capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light curtain system generated by a laser scanner, which is arranged parallel to the floor surface and optionally parallel to the front side of the gate wing, providing a reliable and adjustable detection area that moves with the gate wing to detect obstacles and trigger the motor drive to stop or reverse, ensuring safety by setting up a spatially fixed yet movable light curtain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light curtain system is arranged parallel to the floor surface and moves with the gate wing, then obstacle detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the gate wing structure, merging the detection function with the moving component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and complex alignment mechanisms, while maintaining reliable obstacle detection as the sensor moves together with the gate wing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light curtain acts as an intermediary detection field between the sensor and potential obstacles. Instead of requiring direct contact or complex mechanical sensors, the optical field mediates the detection process, providing reliable obstacle detection with minimal mechanical complexity.
2Loss of time
If the light curtain is positioned at a short distance in front of the gate wing, then the response time is improved, but the detection area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light curtain detection area dynamically follows the gate wing position as it moves. The sensor mounted on the gate wing automatically adjusts the detection zone's location, maintaining optimal short-distance monitoring throughout the gate's range of motion, thereby achieving both fast response and adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a fixed spatial position to a moving coordinate system attached to the gate wing. By changing the reference frame from stationary to moving with the gate, the system achieves rapid response times while maintaining detection coverage across the entire operational area through the gate's motion itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is mounted on the gate wing to move with it, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate wing serves multiple functions: it is both the moving barrier and the mounting platform for the sensor. This universal design allows the same component to fulfill structural and detection roles, improving adaptability to different gate configurations while avoiding additional manufacturing steps for separate sensor housings or mounting mechanisms.
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 enables reliable detection of obstacles at a short distance, allowing for quick motor drive intervention, thereby enhancing safety by preventing collisions and ensuring secure operation of swing gates, even with large or thick gate leaves.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor arranged on the gate wing being provided for generating and monitoring a light curtain
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a light curtain system generated by a laser scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a safety arrangement for swing gates with at least one gate leaf and a motor drive for the gate leaf, in which at least one sensor arranged on the gate leaf is provided for generating and monitoring a light curtain, wherein the light curtain is arranged parallel to a side of the gate leaf that is located at the front in the direction of movement of the gate leaf.