Light Barrier Alignment Using Pulse Width Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier arrangements face challenges in aligning transmitter and receiver units efficiently and cost-effectively, particularly due to the need for additional devices like laser pointers, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of pulse widths of light pulses as an alignment criterion, where the alignment unit determines and evaluates pulse widths to assess alignment quality, and visual display elements provide feedback on alignment through flashing sequences, allowing for simple and cost-effective adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser pointer is used as an alignment aid, then the alignment quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from a separate external device (laser pointer) and integrates it into the existing transmitter unit by utilizing the light pulses already emitted by the transmitters. This eliminates the need for additional alignment devices while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pulses emitted by the transmitters serve dual purposes: they perform the primary function of object detection in the monitoring area and simultaneously serve as an alignment aid during installation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If a laser pointer is mounted on the transmitter unit, then the alignment quality is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for mounting external alignment devices by extracting the alignment function from separate hardware and implementing it through software evaluation of existing light pulse signals at the receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (mounting laser pointers on transmitters) with an optical-electronic system that evaluates the presence and characteristics of light pulses at receivers to determine alignment quality, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment devices are used, then the alignment quality is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing light pulse transmission system performs both object detection and alignment functions, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate alignment devices, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational light pulses to perform self-alignment verification, eliminating the need for external alignment tools and reducing dependency on additional components.
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 method enables reliable and efficient alignment of transmitter and receiver units, reducing the need for additional devices and providing a cost-effective solution for light barrier arrangements, including single barriers and light curtains.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter emitting light pulses
Implementation Method 2
a receiver, and an alignment unit for aligning the transmitter unit and receiver unit. In the alignment unit, the pulse widths of the light pulses registered at the receiver are determined
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier arrangement comprising a transmitter unit (2) having a transmitter (4) emitting at least one light pulse (3a), a receiver unit (6) having at least one receiver (7), and an alignment unit for aligning the transmitter unit (2) and receiver unit (6). The alignment unit determines the pulse widths of the light pulses (3a) registered at the receiver (7) as an alignment criterion. The alignment unit also evaluates the number of receivers (7) that receive light pulses (3a) from their assigned transmitters (4) as an alignment criterion.