Light Barrier Alignment Display Using a Sliding Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier arrangements face challenges in aligning transmitter and receiver units due to the use of infrared light, which is invisible, and require additional devices like light pulses for alignment, increasing design and cost complexity.
Innovation Solution
A light barrier arrangement with an alignment unit using a sliding chain to control and address optical display elements, allowing for flexible and efficient alignment of the transmitter and receiver units by visualizing alignment qualities through visible optical pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light pulse is attached to the transmitter unit for alignment, then the alignment of transmitter and receiver units can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged with the existing transmitter unit by using its infrared light beams for alignment purposes. The same transmitters that are used for normal operation are utilized to project visible alignment patterns, eliminating the need for a separate light pulse device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter unit is given multiple functions: it serves both for normal infrared light transmission and for alignment indication. By making the transmitters universal, the system avoids adding dedicated alignment components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment capability.
2Ease of operation
If a light pulse is attached to the transmitter unit for alignment, then the alignment of transmitter and receiver units can be achieved, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged with the existing transmitter unit by using its infrared light beams for alignment purposes. The same transmitters that are used for normal operation are utilized to project visible alignment patterns, eliminating the need for a separate light pulse device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment information is prepared in advance by programming the transmitters to emit visible light patterns during the alignment phase. This preliminary preparation of alignment data allows for quick and easy alignment without time-consuming manual mounting of additional devices.
3Loss of information
If optical display elements are controlled individually by shift registers, then the alignment information can be displayed, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift chain is designed to serve dual purposes: it controls both the receivers and the optical display elements. This universal control mechanism eliminates the need for separate control circuits for each display element, significantly reducing circuit complexity while maintaining the ability to display alignment information for multiple receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for receivers and display elements are merged into a single shift chain control system. By combining these control functions, the patent reduces the number of control circuits needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified alignment process with reduced hardware effort, enabling precise alignment of the light barrier and potential expansion for displaying object detection information.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitters generally emit light in the infrared range, which is not visible to the human eye
Implementation Method 2
The display elements are designed as optical display elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier arrangement with a transmitter unit (2) and a receiver unit (6). The transmitter unit (2) has several light beams (3) emitting transmitters (4), and the receiver unit (6) has several emitting light beams (3) receiving receivers (7). Furthermore, the light barrier arrangement includes an alignment unit for aligning the transmitter unit (2) and receiver unit (6). The alignment unit has an arrangement of indicator elements (19a-19f) which are controlled by means of a sliding chain (20).