Optoelectric Sensor Layout for Longer Baseline in Compact Housings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectric sensors face challenges in achieving optimal measurement accuracy with reduced baseline distances due to limited space, necessitating more precise and costly optical receivers.
Innovation Solution
The optoelectric sensor design maximizes the baseline distance between light transmitters and receivers within the sensor housing, positioning them inside rather than at the edge, allowing for a compact and cost-effective setup with a flexible mounting system to accommodate thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the baseline distance between light transmitters and receivers is increased to optimize measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor housing dimensions (height and width) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the receptacle for the fastening element from the edge section to the front section of the sensor housing, utilizing the depth dimension (between transmitting and receiving light paths) rather than increasing height or width. This allows the baseline distance to be maximized within the available depth of the sensor housing, thereby improving measurement accuracy without increasing the overall housing dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the sensor housing dimensions are reduced to maintain compactness, then device size decreases, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to reduced baseline distance
Solution Approach 1:
By placing the receptacle in the front section between the transmitting and receiving light paths, the patent effectively uses the depth dimension of the housing to accommodate the mounting structure. This enables compact housing dimensions while maintaining a maximized baseline distance between transmitters and receivers, preserving measurement accuracy in a compact form factor.
3Measurement precision
If more precise optical receivers are used to achieve necessary measurement accuracy with reduced baseline distance, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves maximized baseline distance within compact housing dimensions by strategically positioning the receptacle in the front section between the light paths. This geometric optimization allows the use of standard, cost-effective optical receivers while maintaining high measurement accuracy, eliminating the need for expensive precision components.
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 design enhances measurement accuracy while maintaining sensor compactness and reducing costs by optimizing the baseline distance and incorporating a flexible mounting system to compensate for thermal stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The emitted light signals are reflected by objects located within the detection range. A portion of these reflected light signals reaches the sensor again.
Implementation Method 2
it is also known that the angle of incidence of the reflected light signals is determined in order to calculate the object's distance from the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optoelectric sensor for detecting objects in a detection area, comprising light transmitters configured to emit light signals along a transmitting light path onto the detection area; light receivers configured to detect light signals reflected from an object in the detection area and propagating along a receiving light path; and a sensor housing comprising an interior space for receiving the light transmitters and the light receivers in a delivery state, wherein the sensor housing includes a receptacle for inserting a fastening element to fix the optoelectric sensor to an external body in an operating state.According to the invention, it is now provided that in a side view of the sensor housing the receiver is arranged in an area of the sensor housing between the transmitting light path and the receiving light path in order to maximize a base distance between the light transmitters and the light receivers, which is oriented perpendicular to the transmitting light path, with respect to a dimensional dimension of the sensor housing.