Hood-Mounted Scanning Unit for Simplified Laser Scanner Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser scanners have a complex structure with numerous assemblies and interfaces, leading to high assembly and adjustment efforts, and require additional components for energy and data transmission on rotating parts, which increases complexity and vulnerability to mechanical strains.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic sensor with a scanning unit supported by a rotor in a hood, reducing mechanical interfaces and incorporating key components like the light transmitter and receiver in a base housing, while the scanning unit is moved by a drive with a stator and rotor, simplifying assembly and enhancing shock and vibration resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a rotatable scanning unit with separate housing and drive components is used, then the scanning function is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidassembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the scanning unit directly into the housing as a fixed component, eliminating the need for separate rotatable assemblies, drives, and mechanical interfaces. The housing itself serves as both the structural enclosure and the mounting structure for the scanning components, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and serves as the mounting framework for the scanning unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If additional components for energy and data transmission are added to rotating parts, then the scanning unit can rotate, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidresistance to mechanical strains

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the scanning unit rotatable with complex rotational interfaces, the patent inverts the approach by making the housing and scanning unit a fixed, stationary assembly. This eliminates the need for rotational energy and data transmission components, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If multiple assemblies and interfaces are used in the housing, then the scanning unit can be mounted, but the assembly and adjustment effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidnumber of interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning unit is integrated directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate assemblies and interfaces. The housing itself provides the mounting structure, reducing the number of connection points and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplified structure reduces manufacturing costs, improves robustness and resistance to mechanical strains, and enhances deployment in demanding environments by minimizing failure risks and maintaining accurate object detection.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmitter (26) and a light receiver (40) for scanning the monitored zone (32)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

wherein a drive (22, 24) having a stator (24) and a rotor (22) and a scanning unit (12) moved with the aid of the rotor (22) provides a periodic scanning movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS12455375B2Optoelectronic sensor movable with the aid of the rotor for periodic scanning of a monitored zone by transmitted light

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SICK AG

AI summary

An optoelectronic sensor, in particular a laser scanner, for detecting objects in a monitored zone is provided, wherein the sensor has a light transmitter for transmitting transmitted light; a drive having a stator and a rotor; a scanning unit movable with the aid of the rotor for the periodic scanning of the monitored zone by the transmitted light; a light receiver for generating a received signal from light remitted by objects in the monitored zone; a control and evaluation unit for detecting information on objects in the monitored zone with reference to the received signal; and a base housing having a hood. The base housing and the hood have at least one interface for a mechanical connection to one another and the hood comprises at least one first bearing for mounting the scanning unit, with the scanning unit being rotatably supported with the rotor in the first bearing.