Optical Sensor Lens Surrounding Symbol Display Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors face challenges in integrating visual displays without increasing the structural size of the housing, as the space around lenses is limited, making it difficult to place displays without compromising the sensor's form factor.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor features a symbol display unit composed of multiple display elements surrounding the lens, forming a seven-segment or bar graph display, which can be switched between modes, allowing for a space-saving and easily recognizable large-area icon display without expanding the housing's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If display elements are placed between the lenses, then the display can be integrated into the housing front, but the display area becomes very small and difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The display elements are arranged in a circular pattern around the lens, utilizing the circumferential space in a different dimensional arrangement rather than linear placement between lenses. This circular configuration allows multiple display elements to be positioned equidistantly around the lens perimeter, maximizing the visible display area without increasing the overall housing width or height.
2Area of stationary object
If the housing is made wider or higher to attach displays to the side or above/below lenses, then the display can be larger and more visible, but the structural shape and overall size of the optical sensor increases undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The display elements are nested within the circular contour defined by the lens housing, with each display element positioned along the circumferential direction. The display elements are arranged concentrically around the lens, effectively nesting the display function within the existing housing boundary without requiring additional external space or increasing housing dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple display elements are arranged around the lens, then a large-area icon display unit becomes available that is easily recognized, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arrangement of display elements is segmented into discrete positions around the lens, with each segment representing an individual display element. This segmentation allows for modular configuration where display elements can be independently controlled and arranged in standard patterns (such as seven-segment display configurations), simplifying the control logic while maintaining high recognizability.
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 arrangement enables clear and complex information visualization without increasing the sensor's size, allowing for the display of different symbols, alphanumeric characters, and error codes, enhancing the sensor's functionality while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
display elements surrounding the lens and forming a symbol display unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects in a detection area, comprising at least one sensor component having a lens in a housing and at least one evaluation unit (9) for generating an object detection signal depending on sensor signals from at least one sensor component. Several display elements (10) surrounding the lens are provided in a wall of the housing, which combine to form a symbol display unit (11).