Optical Sensor Holder With Dual Mounting Planes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical sensor holders have complex structures requiring large installation spaces and can only be mounted in specific positions, limiting flexibility and functionality in industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement with a holder that offers two fastening levels and a transparent cover plate for protection, allowing for adjustable orientation and easy adaptation to different applications, while preventing dust and moisture from interfering with the light path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional mounting bracket is used for the optical sensor, then the sensor can be securely attached to the equipment, but the bracket requires a relatively large installation space and can only be mounted in a specific orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting orientation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is divided into two separate mounting planes with independent fastening means, allowing the sensor to be mounted in different orientations without requiring a large installation space. The first mounting plane provides stable attachment while the second mounting plane enables orientation adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-plane mounting system to a multi-plane mounting system. By adding a second mounting plane with different fastening means, the system gains freedom in orientation selection without increasing the footprint area of the bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mounting bracket design is used to provide multiple mounting options, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position flexibilityVSAvoidbracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is segmented into two distinct mounting planes, each with its own fastening means. This segmentation provides mounting position flexibility while keeping each plane's structure relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating two mounting planes that can accommodate different mounting scenarios. This universal design allows the same bracket to serve multiple mounting purposes without requiring multiple different bracket designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the light-emitting surface is exposed without protection, then the light beams can be transmitted efficiently, but dust and moisture can interfere with the light path and reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoiddust and moisture interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent cover plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the light-emitting surface and the external environment. This cover plate protects the light path from dust and moisture while maintaining optical transparency, thus preventing harmful factors from interfering with light transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a transparent cover plate is added to protect the light-emitting surface, then protection against dust and moisture is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from dust and moistureVSAvoidmount bracket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover plate is merged with the mounting bracket structure, forming an integrated protective enclosure. This combining approach provides dust and moisture protection while avoiding the need for separate protective components, thus not significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables flexible installation options, enhanced protection of the optical sensor, and improved reliability by preventing crosstalk between transmitted and received light beams, thus enhancing the sensor's functionality and adaptability in various industrial settings.

Implementation Method 1

The mount has a transparent cover plate which, when the optical sensor is mounted in the mount, lies in front of the light-emitting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through transparent material: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The optical sensor has sensor components arranged in a housing, which emit and/or receive light beams, wherein a front wall of the housing forms a light-emitting surface through which the light beams are guided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4047326B1Sensor arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 LEUZE ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4047326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4047326B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4047326B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (1) comprising an optical sensor (2) and a holder (3) designed to accommodate the optical sensor (2). The optical sensor (2) has sensor components arranged in a housing (4) which emit and/or receive light beams, wherein a front wall of the housing (4) forms a light-emitting surface through which the light beams are guided. The holder (3) has fastening means by which it can be attached to a substrate in two mounting planes. The holder (3) has a transparent cover plate (16) which, when the optical sensor (2) is mounted in the holder (3), lies in front of the light-emitting surface. The holder (3) has bushings (13) for receiving fastening means by means of which it can be attached to a substrate in a first mounting plane.