Inductive Light Grid Modules for Wear-Resistant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light grids face challenges in adapting to diverse spatial conditions and environmental factors due to susceptibility of galvanic plug-in connections to wear, especially when used in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light grid composed of modules with inductive, capacitive, or optical transformer interfaces for energy and signal transmission, eliminating the need for galvanic connections and allowing for robust, flexible configurations under various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic plug-in connections are used to couple modules, then electrical connection and signal transmission are achieved, but the connections are susceptible to wear and unreliable under harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic plug-in connection system with an optical coupling system. Light transmitters and receivers are used to transmit signals and power between modules, eliminating physical electrical contacts that are susceptible to wear, dirt, and moisture. This substitution of mechanical connection with optical transmission directly resolves the reliability issue while removing the harmful effect of wear from environmental factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules are designed with fixed galvanic connections, then electrical connectivity is established, but adaptability to different spatial arrangements and environmental conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through the optical coupling system, allowing modules to be arranged in various spatial configurations (linear, angled, curved) without compromising connection reliability. The optical transmitters and receivers maintain reliable transmission across different angles and positions, enabling the light grid to adapt to diverse spatial conditions while preserving connection robustness.
3Reliability
If smooth transformer interfaces are used instead of galvanic plug-in connections, then robustness and resistance to environmental influences are improved, but connection and signal transmission mechanisms must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical plug-in connections with optical transmitter-receiver pairs that use smooth transformer interfaces. This substitution simplifies the connection interface design by eliminating mechanical components while achieving higher reliability and insensitivity to environmental factors like dirt and moisture through non-contact optical transmission.
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 solution enables versatile and robust light grid configurations, enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance, with modules that can be easily connected and rearranged to suit different spatial arrangements and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive, capacitive or optical transmitters can be used for this. The supply energy for the electronics is fed into the respective module via this transformer.
Implementation Method 2
Inductive, capacitive or optical transmitters can be used for this.
Implementation Method 3
Inductive, capacitive or optical transmitters can be used for this.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The light grid has modules (10) including a transducer interface (18) at opposite ends of housing (12) of the transducer, where the transducer interfaces are located in mating surfaces (16) of the housing such that the mating surfaces of modules are to be coupled to one another at their surfaces. The housings of the modules are elongated and contain a light emitter and light receptors, which are arranged in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The mating surfaces (16) are located at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing (12).