Light Curtain Beam Intensity Feedback for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning transmitter and receiver units of light curtains is challenging due to the binary output nature of conventional systems, where a trip signal is only displayed if a beam receiver does not receive light above a threshold, making it difficult to facilitate proper alignment and function of the light curtain.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a light intensity receiver to receive signals from multiple beam receivers, a light intensity transmitter to transmit these signals, and a trip transmitter to send a trip signal if a signal falls below a threshold, along with a portable electronic device for displaying light intensity indicators and relative positions, aiding in alignment and accounting for vibration-induced light intensity degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional binary output systems are used for light curtain alignment, then the system structure remains simple, but the alignment difficulty increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by transmitting light intensity signals from beam receivers back to a display device, allowing operators to see real-time alignment status. The system provides visual feedback showing which beams are properly aligned and which need adjustment, enabling precise alignment through continuous monitoring and adjustment based on the displayed intensity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display device that mediates between the beam receivers and the operator. This intermediary translates the raw light intensity data into visual indicators that are easy to interpret, bridging the gap between the technical measurement system and human operator understanding, thereby improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If vibration compensation features are added to account for light intensity degradation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the system automatically detect and compensate for vibration-induced light intensity degradation without requiring external intervention. The display device automatically adjusts the alignment criteria based on detected vibration levels, allowing the system to self-correct for environmental conditions and maintain reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the alignment threshold parameters based on detected vibration conditions. When vibration is detected, the system modifies the light intensity thresholds used for alignment determination, allowing the same hardware to maintain high reliability across varying environmental conditions without adding complex mechanical stabilization systems.
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
Facilitates easier alignment of light curtain components by providing real-time light intensity feedback and adjusting for vibration-induced degradation, ensuring proper operation and preventing unnecessary trip signals.
Implementation Method 1
Each beam transmitter is configured to transmit a narrow beam of light
Implementation Method 2
Each beam receiver is configured to receive light from a corresponding beam transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A component for light curtain alignment includes a light intensity receiver that receives a plurality of light intensity signals from beam receivers of a receiver unit of a light curtain. The light curtain includes a transmitter unit with beam transmitters arranged linearly on the transmitter unit. The light curtain includes the receiver unit with the plurality of beam receivers arranged linearly. Each beam receiver is configured to receive light from a corresponding beam transmitter. The component includes a light intensity transmitter configured to transmit, from the light curtain, the plurality of light intensity signals received by the light intensity receiver, where each light intensity signal is from one or more beam receivers, and a trip transmitter that transmits a trip signal in response to determining that a light intensity signal from a beam receiver of the plurality of beam receivers is below a trip threshold.