Light Curtain Housing Groove for Rotation-Free T-Nut Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light curtain fastening systems are cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for rotating T-slot nuts, and they limit mounting options as the grooves for these nuts are restricted to specific locations, reducing installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A light curtain design with grooves extending over the entire housing length and widened insertion openings allows T-slot nuts to be inserted without rotation, enabling flexible mounting orientations and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If T-slot nuts are inserted into grooves and rotated 90° to secure them, then the fastening is reliable, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is segmented into two functional zones: a narrow insertion opening for easy T-slot nut insertion, and a wider retention section for secure positioning. This segmentation eliminates the need for rotation while maintaining fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the T-slot nut to be rotated into position (conventional approach), the groove is designed to accept the nut in its original orientation and then secure it through the widened retention section. This inverts the traditional fastening mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grooves are limited to specific locations in the housing, then the housing structure remains simple, but mounting options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design with insertion openings serves multiple functions: it provides structural integration, enables flexible positioning along the entire housing length, and simplifies fastening. This universal design allows mounting at various locations without increasing housing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove extends along the longitudinal dimension of the housing, allowing T-slot nuts to be positioned at multiple locations. The insertion opening adds a dimensional aspect that facilitates easy access and installation, transforming the groove from a simple linear feature into a multi-functional mounting system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a light curtain (1) for detecting objects in a monitoring area, comprising a series of light beam (3) emitting transmitters (4) and a series of receiving receivers (6), the received signals of which are evaluated in an evaluation unit (9). At least one housing (2, 2') is provided, in which the transmitters (4) and/or receivers (6) are located. The housing (2, 2') has one or more grooves (11) extending along its length or partial lengths, with edge segments (12) of the housing (2) defining an opening (13) of the groove (11). The opening (13) forms a projection of the grooves (11) into or on a side wall of the housing (2). The opening (13) is widened in a partial region of the groove (11), thereby forming an insertion opening (20). Fasteners (14) are provided, each fastener (14) having a T-nut (15).The T-nut (15) can be inserted via the insertion opening (20), wherein the width of the T-nut (15) is smaller than the width of the insertion opening (20) and larger than the width of the opening (13) of the groove (11), and wherein the length of the T-nut (15) is greater than the length of the insertion opening (20).