Light Module Interlock System for Laser Projector Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In light module systems, such as those in laser-based projector systems, the inadvertent emission of light can pose a hazard to humans and system components due to issues like optical cable breakage or disconnection, leading to potential catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A light module interlock system that includes an optical cable capable of transmitting light of different wavelengths, a sensor to detect the first wavelength, and an interlock that communicates with the sensor to disable the second light module if the first wavelength is not detected, ensuring safe operation by preventing the emission of hazardous light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical cable is disconnected or broken, then the light transmission is interrupted, but the second light module may still operate causing hazardous light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the presence of light from the first light module and provides feedback to the interlock mechanism. When the optical cable is disconnected or broken, the sensor detects the absence of light and triggers the interlock to disable the second light module, preventing hazardous light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the second light module. It receives signals from the sensor and controls the operation of the second light module, ensuring that it only operates when the optical cable is properly connected and light transmission is confirmed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor continuously monitors the first wavelength, then hazardous light emission is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is extracted as a separate sensor component that specifically detects the first wavelength. This dedicated sensor is integrated with a simple interlock mechanism, avoiding the need for complex monitoring systems while effectively preventing hazardous light emission.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second light module is disabled when the first wavelength is not detected, then human safety is protected, but system productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting the presence of light from the first light module before allowing the second light module to operate. This preliminary check ensures that the optical cable is properly connected, and the system only operates when safety conditions are met, preventing both hazards and unnecessary downtime.
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
The interlock system effectively prevents hazardous light emission by disabling the second light module when the first wavelength is not detected, thereby ensuring system safety and preventing damage to components and human exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable enabled to transmit light of a first wavelength and a second wavelength different than the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a sensor enabled to detect the first wavelength transmitted by the optical cable
Implementation Method 3
at least one mirror enabled to: separate the first wavelength and the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a light module interlock system comprising: an optical cable enabled to transmit light of a first wavelength and a second wavelength different than the first wavelength; a first light module enabled to provide the first wavelength to the optical cable; a second light module enabled to provide the second wavelength to the optical cable; a sensor enabled to detect the first wavelength transmitted by the optical cable, the sensor located at an opposite end of the optical cable as the first light module; and an interlock in communication with the sensor, the interlock enabled to: disable the second light module when the sensor fails to detect the first wavelength, such that the second wavelength is no longer provided to the optical cable.