Integrated Gate Photocells with Diagnostic LED Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for obstacle detection and travel indication in automated gates lack integrated diagnostics for anomalous operations, making it difficult to identify faulty components and ensure proper alignment of infrared photocells, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power LEDs with optical deflectors and infrared photocells allows for simultaneous obstacle detection and indication, enabling the identification of faulty or misaligned pairs by asymmetric LED operation, and varying indication frequency for diagnostics and alignment assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate indicator lights and obstacle detection devices are installed, then the functions are reliable, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the obstacle detection function and the indicator function into a single integrated device. The infrared transmitter and receiver units are merged with indicator lights that serve dual purposes: indicating gate movement status and diagnosing detection system anomalies. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both functions reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights in the integrated device perform multiple functions: they indicate gate movement status to users and simultaneously serve as diagnostic tools for detecting system anomalies such as misalignment or faults in the photocell pairs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate diagnostic devices.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of photocells are installed for complete coverage, then the detection reliability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device incorporates indicator lights that provide real-time feedback on the operational status of each photocell pair. When a fault or misalignment is detected, the corresponding indicator light activates to provide visual feedback, enabling rapid identification of the problematic pair without requiring complex diagnostic procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights use color changes or illumination patterns to communicate the status of different photocell pairs. Different colors or flashing patterns indicate different conditions such as normal operation, misalignment, or faults, making it easy to visually identify and diagnose issues across multiple pairs.
3Ease of operation
If traditional indicator lights are used, then the visual warning function is provided, but the diagnostic capability for anomalous operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator lights are designed to perform both visual warning and diagnostic functions simultaneously. They warn users of gate movement while also providing diagnostic information about the operational status of the obstacle detection system, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dual feedback through the indicator lights: feedback to users about gate movement status and feedback to installers/maintainers about system health and alignment status. This feedback mechanism preserves diagnostic information while maintaining the visual warning function.
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 immediate identification of faulty components and misalignments, ensuring safe operation and facilitating easy installation by providing visual feedback on the status of each pair of photocells without disconnection or access to cables.
Implementation Method 1
the detection of obstacles is carried out by applying an electromagnetic beam in the infrared field, between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit
Implementation Method 2
the light beam of which is suitably concentrated and directed by an optical deflector towards the area adjacent to the manoeuvring area of the gate
Implementation Method 3
When the infrared beam intercepts an object, the receiver sends a signal to the control unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The finding concerns an integrated device for the detection and indication of obstacles for a motorised system of gates and the like, which comprises at least one transmitter (3) and a receiver (4) of an infrared signal (5), arranged on the outer sides of the access opening (1) controlled by the gate (2) or the like and indicating to the control unit of the actuator (6) of the gate when said signal is blocked by an obstacle; said transmitter (3) and receiver (4) comprise at least one flashing luminous indicator light, activated during the opening and closing steps. Such a device is characterised in that the activation of the indicator light of the receiver element (4) is controlled by receiving the infrared signal from the transmitter (3) coupled with it (fig.1).