Light Barrier Control IC Architecture for Shared Transmitter-Receiver Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier arrangements face inefficiencies due to the need for separate and complex manufacturing processes for transmitter and receiver integrated circuits, leading to increased development and production efforts.
Innovation Solution
The use of identical integrated circuits for both transmitter and receiver functions, allowing for shared development and manufacturing, with each circuit incorporating both amplifier and driver components, and featuring memory logic for status display and control, enabling cyclical activation of transmitter pairs and simplified warehousing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate integrated circuits are used for transmitter and receiver control, then specific transmitter and receiver functions can be optimized, but development complexity and manufacturing effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single integrated circuit that can function as both transmitter control and receiver control. The control unit is configured to operate in different modes: as a transmitter controller when connected to a transmitter, and as a receiver controller when connected to a receiver. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing development complexity while maintaining functional optimization through mode-specific configuration.
2Reliability
If different integrated circuits are manufactured for transmitter and receiver sides, then each can be optimized for its specific function, but manufacturing processes become more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed with universal functionality to serve both transmitter and receiver roles. The control unit contains configurable components that can be programmed or switched to perform different functions based on whether it is connected to a transmitter or receiver. This single-design manufacturing approach simplifies production processes, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates the need for separate production lines while maintaining optimized performance for each specific function through internal configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of integrated circuits are maintained in inventory, then specific applications can be optimized, but warehousing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal integrated circuit design that can be configured for different applications through software programming or internal switching mechanisms. Instead of maintaining separate physical variants in inventory, the system stores a single universal circuit variant that can be programmed at the time of deployment to match the specific application requirements. This dramatically simplifies warehousing while preserving adaptability to different light barrier configurations and safety applications.
4Ease of operation
If separate control circuits are used for each transmitter and receiver, then individual control is achieved, but the number of integrated circuits and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal control circuit that can be dynamically assigned to control either a transmitter or a receiver based on system configuration. The control unit includes configurable components that can be programmed to perform transmitter control functions or receiver control functions as needed. This reduces the total number of integrated circuits required while maintaining the capability for individual control of each transmitter and receiver through software-based configuration rather than hardware duplication.
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 approach rationalizes production by reducing the number of integrated circuits needed, enhances functionality, and simplifies warehousing, while maintaining high reliability and functionality in light barrier arrangements used for monitoring protective fields and safety applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first housing is located with a series of transmitters emitting light beams
Implementation Method 2
a second housing is located with a series of receivers receiving light beams
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier arrangement (1) with an arrangement of light beams (31-34) emitting transmitters (21-24) and light beams (31-34) receiving receivers (41-44). Each transmitter (21-24) and each receiver (41-44) is assigned an integrated circuit as a control means. The integrated circuits are identical and contain both transmitter and receiver functions. By external circuitry and/or programming, an integrated circuit can be used selectively as a control means for either a transmitter (21-24) or a receiver (41-44). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.