Light Curtain Receiver Switching for Faster Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light curtains suffer from increased object detection response times due to transient oscillation events caused by multiplexer switching processes, which distort amplified receipt signals.
Innovation Solution
The light curtain design includes a multiplexer that sequentially switches receivers into an amplifier while deactivating the amplifier during switching processes, ensuring receipt signals are not impaired by switching interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple receivers are sequentially switched into a single amplifier using a multiplexer, then the number of amplifiers is reduced, but transient oscillation events occur during switching that distort the amplified receipt signals
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer switches the receiver into the amplifier before the light beam arrives, so the amplifier is already active and ready to amplify the signal without transient oscillations. This preliminary switching action eliminates the distortion problem while maintaining the benefit of using a single amplifier for multiple receivers.
2Reliability
If a waiting period is introduced after each switching event to allow transient oscillations to subside, then signal quality is improved, but the object detection response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is switched into the amplifier in advance before the light beam arrives, eliminating the need for a waiting period after switching. This preliminary action ensures both signal quality (no transient oscillations) and fast response time (no waiting), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Speed
If the amplifier remains active during receiver switching, then response time is reduced, but transient oscillation events distort the receipt signals
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer performs the switching action before the light beam reaches the receiver, so the amplifier is already active and stable when the signal arrives. This timing strategy maintains fast response time while avoiding transient oscillation distortion, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
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 ensures reliable and error-free object detection with significantly reduced response times by preventing switching interference from affecting the amplifier.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement of transmitters (4) emitting light beams (3), with an arrangement of receivers (6, 6′) receiving light beams (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A light curtain (1) for capturing objects in a monitoring region, with an arrangement of transmitters (4) emitting light beams (3), with an arrangement of receivers (6, 6′) receiving light beams (3), and with an evaluation unit (8) in which an object identification signal is generated in dependence upon receipt signals from the receivers (6, 6′). The receivers (6, 6′) constitute at least one cascade and are individually switched sequentially into an amplifier (12, 12′) via a multiplexer (11, 11′), wherein the amplifier (12, 12′) is deactivated during an activation of a switching-in of a receiver (6).