Modular Optoelectronic Sensor with Adjustable Scanning Planes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-beam laser scanners are inflexible and costly due to fixed scanning planes and complex mechanisms, which do not adapt well to specific applications, resulting in unnecessary data collection and high production costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular optoelectronic sensor with scanning modules that can be inclined or tilted to adjust the angle of elevation, allowing for a customizable number and arrangement of scanning planes, reducing complexity and production costs while maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional multi-beam laser scanners use fixed monolithic arrays of light transmitters or receivers, then the scanning planes are tightly packed at fixed equidistant distances, but this results in fixed scanning configurations that cannot be adapted to specific applications and lead to unnecessary data collection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to specific applicationsVSAvoidfixed scanning plane configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor head is divided into multiple independent scanning modules, each with its own light transmitter, light receiver, and deflection unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and adjusted, enabling adaptation to specific application requirements while reducing unnecessary data collection from unused scanning planes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning modules are designed to be movable and adjustable in position and orientation within the sensor head. The deflection units can be independently controlled to dynamically adjust scanning plane angles and positions, transforming the fixed configuration into a dynamic, adaptable system that can be optimized for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laser scanners use dynamic tilting mechanisms to vary the scanning beam angle of elevation, then three-dimensional measurement data can be produced, but the effective scanning rate is substantially reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning beam angle adjustmentVSAvoidscanning rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple scanning modules are configured to operate in parallel, with each module responsible for a specific scanning plane at a fixed angle of elevation. This eliminates the need for dynamic tilting during operation, as all required scanning planes are simultaneously covered by the parallel operation of multiple modules, maintaining high scanning rates while achieving 3D measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of information

If conventional multi-beam laser scanners use a large number of scanning beams to cover various angles of view, then comprehensive environmental data is collected, but the device costs increase and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental data coverageVSAvoidnumber of scanning beams

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each scanning module is configured with specific optical parameters and detection ranges tailored to its particular scanning plane and application requirements. This localized optimization allows comprehensive environmental coverage through strategically positioned modules rather than using a large number of uniformly configured beams, reducing device complexity and data processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 modular design allows for a compact, cost-effective sensor that adapts to specific applications by optimizing the number and arrangement of scanning planes, reducing data processing requirements and production costs, making it suitable for autonomous vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the scanning modules each comprise a light transmitter for transmitting a light beam and a light receiver for generating a respective received signal from the light beam remitted by the objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission and remission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The time of flight is measured using a phase method or pulse method to determine the distance of a sensed object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11480707B2Optoelectronic sensor and method of detecting objects in a monitoring zone

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 SICK AG

AI summary

An optoelectronic sensor for detecting objects in a monitored zone is provided, wherein the sensor has a scanning unit that is movable about an axis of rotation and that has a plurality of scanning modules accommodated therein for a periodic scanning of the monitored zone and for a generation of corresponding received signals and that has a control and evaluation unit for acquiring information on the objects from the received signals; and wherein the scanning modules each comprise a light transmitter for transmitting a light beam and a light receiver for generating a respective received signal from the light beam remitted by the objects. A respective mirror element is here associated with the scanning modules to set an angle of elevation of a respective scanning plane detected by a scanning module with respect to a central scanning plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.