Optical Emitter Proximity Sensing for Malfunction Safety Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical emitter arrangements in flood illuminators or projectors require complex and time-consuming electrically conductive connections for safety systems, making them challenging to manufacture and maintain, and may emit harmful light if a mechanical malfunction occurs.
Innovation Solution
An optical emitter arrangement that uses a proximity sensor to detect spatial relationships between components without requiring electrically conductive connections, allowing for a non-contact interaction to control the optical emitter device and prevent harmful light emission in case of malfunction or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically conductive connections are used for optical safety system, then safety control function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrically conductive connections (metallic tracks or traces) with a mechanical field-based proximity sensing system. The proximity sensor detects the position of the optical substrate using a non-contact mechanical field (such as magnetic or capacitive field), eliminating the need for complex electrical connections between the optical substrate, housing, and controller while maintaining the safety control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary device between the optical substrate and the controller. This intermediary enables indirect detection of the optical substrate's position without requiring direct electrical contact, thereby simplifying the system architecture while preserving the ability to detect substrate detachment and control the optical emitter device accordingly.
2Reliability
If electrically conductive connections are used for optical safety system, then safety control function is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming electrical connection processes (forming and attaching metallic tracks) with a rapid non-contact proximity sensing mechanism. The proximity sensor can detect optical substrate position immediately upon assembly without requiring complex electrical connection steps, significantly reducing manufacturing and assembly time while maintaining safety functionality.
3Reliability
If electrically conductive connections are used for optical safety system, then safety control function is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical connection processes with a simple non-contact proximity sensing approach. The proximity sensor detects the optical substrate's position through field interaction without requiring physical electrical contact, making the assembly process easier and less technically challenging while maintaining the safety control capability.
4Reliability
If electrically conductive connections are used for optical safety system, then safety control function is achieved, but ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile electrical connections (metallic tracks that can break or become disconnected) with a robust non-contact proximity sensing system. The proximity sensor detects substrate position through field interaction without physical contact, eliminating the risk of connection failure and simplifying repair processes while maintaining safety functionality.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process and effectively prevents harmful light emission by using a proximity sensor to monitor the spatial relationship and control the optical emitter device, enhancing safety and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor for sensing a proximity of the optical element. The proximity sensor may be configured to generate a signal which is representative of a non-contact interaction between the proximity sensor and the optical element.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical emitter arrangement comprises a housing, an electrical interconnection member, and an optical emitter device mounted on the electrical interconnection member, wherein the electrical interconnection member is attached to the housing such that the optical emitter device is located within the housing. The optical emitter arrangement further comprises an optical system including an optical element for transmitting light emitted by the optical emitter device, the optical system being attached to the housing so that the optical element can receive light emitted by the optical emitter device and transmit the received light out of the housing, and the optical system further including a sensed element. The optical emitter arrangement also comprises a proximity sensor mounted on the electrical interconnection member for sensing a proximity of the sensed element. The optical emitter arrangement may enable a method of operating the optical emitter arrangement wherein the emission of light from the optical emitter arrangement is prevented in the event of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the optical emitter arrangement. The optical emitter arrangement may be used, in particular though not exclusively, in flood illuminators or projectors.