Multi-Optical Axis Sensor With Integrated Muting State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-optical axis sensors require a separate external indicator and wiring to display the muting state, which leads to spatial limitations and increased costs, and can result in errors due to incorrect installation or recognition of the muting state.
Innovation Solution
The multi-optical axis sensor integrates light sources into the light transmitter and receiver, allowing them to operate in a light incidence/blockage mode and switch to a muting mode when the muting state is detected, eliminating the need for a separate external indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate external indicator and wiring are added to display the muting state, then the muting state can be displayed, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the muting state indicator function with the existing light transmission elements. The light transmitter that originally served only for safety detection now also functions as a muting state indicator by changing its emission pattern (continuous emission vs. intermittent emission) to indicate different operational states. This eliminates the need for separate external indicators and wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmission elements are designed to perform multiple functions: (1) safety detection by detecting light blockage, (2) muting state indication by varying emission patterns, and (3) system status communication. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and eliminates redundant components.
2Reliability
If a separate external indicator is installed, then the muting state can be indicated, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is combined with the existing light transmitter structure. The same physical component (light transmitter) that is already installed for safety purposes is utilized to also indicate the muting state, thereby eliminating additional installation requirements and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitter serves itself by performing dual functions. Instead of requiring external indicators, the light transmitter uses its own emission capabilities to communicate system status, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external dependencies.
3Reliability
If the lamp indicating the muting state is installed at a wrong position, then the user cannot recognize the muting state properly, but adding more indicators increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using the existing light transmission elements at their specific locations to indicate muting state. Each light transmitter's emission pattern (continuous or intermittent) provides localized status information that is inherently positioned correctly for user recognition, eliminating positioning errors associated with separate indicators.
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 solution enables easy visual recognition of the muting state without additional hardware, reducing space constraints and costs, and improving the accuracy of muting state recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-optical axis sensor may receive light emitted from a light transmitter through a light receiver and detect a workpiece using the received light
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-optical axis sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light-transmitting unit comprising a plurality of light-transmitting elements; a light-receiving unit comprising a plurality of light-receiving elements which are arranged to respectively face the light-transmitting elements and respectively receive light from the light-transmitting elements; and an indicator light indicating a light incidence state or a light blockage state of the light-receiving unit, wherein, before a muting state that invalidates the detection function of the multi-optical axis sensor is detected, the light-transmitting unit or the light-receiving unit may operate the indicator light in a light incidence/blockage mode indicating the light incidence state or the light blockage state, and when the muting state is detected, the light-transmitting unit or the light-receiving unit may switch the operation mode of the indicator light from the light incidence/blockage mode to the muting mode indicating the muting state.