Multi-Optical Axis Sensor Wiring for Shared Signal Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors require multiple wirings for communication with external devices, leading to increased complexity and potential misconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor design that utilizes a common wiring for both signal and communication purposes, with a switch to adapt the wiring function based on the presence of an external device, and converters to adjust frequency bands for communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated communication wiring is provided to connect the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor to an external device, then communication function is achieved, but the number of wirings increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing signal wiring serve dual purposes: it functions as both a signal transmission line and a communication line. By equipping the photoelectric sensor with a communicator that utilizes the signal wiring for communication, the system achieves communication capability without adding dedicated communication wiring, thus reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal wiring and communication wiring into a single integrated wiring system. Instead of providing separate dedicated communication wiring, the communicator is designed to share the existing signal wiring infrastructure, combining multiple functions into a unified wiring arrangement that reduces the total number of wires needed.
2Reliability
If multiple wirings are used for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but misconnection risks increase and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging signal and communication functions into a single wiring system, the patent reduces the number of connection points and wiring paths. This simplification directly lowers the probability of misconnection during installation and maintenance, while the integrated design ensures that communication reliability is maintained through the shared wiring infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If common wiring is used for both signal and communication, then wiring quantity is reduced, but noise resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency conversion as an intermediary mechanism to separate signal and communication functions in the frequency domain. Converters transform communication signals to a frequency band different from the signal band, allowing both to coexist on the same physical wiring without mutual interference. This frequency-based mediation maintains noise resistance while enabling wiring reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of communication signals through conversion processes. By transforming communication signals from their original frequency band to a different frequency band that does not overlap with the signal band, the system enables simultaneous transmission of both signal and communication data over common wiring without noise interference, thus reducing wiring quantity while preserving noise resistance.
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
Reduces the number of wirings needed, minimizes misconnection risks, and enhances noise resistance by allowing flexible use of common wiring for both signal and communication, while maintaining effective device connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit 2a having plural light receiving elements 24 arranged in line while the light receiving element 24 is opposite each of the projection elements 22
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Problem: One aspect of the present invention provides a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor in which a number of wirings can be decreased in a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor connectable to an external device. Means for Solving: The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes a sensor unit configured to detect whether each of plural optical axes formed between a projection unit and a light receiving unit is in a light shielding state, the sensor unit including the projection unit and the light receiving unit, the projection unit including plural projection elements, the light receiving unit including plural light receiving elements disposed opposite the plural projection elements. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor also includes a control unit that controls the light receiving unit, communication cables of plural signal wirings through which a signal is input to and output from the control unit, and a communicator that conducts communication between the control unit and an external device through a common wiring that is one of the communication cables, the common wiring being used as a communication wiring.