Optoelectronic Sensor Linear Light Profile Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic sensors are inadequate for reliably detecting opaque objects that only partially interrupt transmitted light, as they require multiple light beams and are prone to errors in dirty or damaged conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor with a transmitter and receiver configured to produce a linear light profile, where the evaluation unit adjusts a recognition threshold value based on the received signal, allowing for reliable detection of objects that interrupt a smaller portion of the light, even in the presence of contamination or aging, using a Fresnel lens for space efficiency and an optical dividing wall to prevent crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple discrete light beams are used to create a detection plane, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single expanded light beam into multiple discrete light beams that are spatially separated and directed at different angles toward the detection plane. This segmentation allows coverage of a larger area while maintaining the simplicity of using essentially one light source rather than multiple independent sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands the light beam in one dimension (transverse to the beam direction) to create a linear light profile, then uses optical elements to distribute this expanded beam across multiple angular directions. This transforms a single-dimensional beam into a multi-dimensional detection pattern, achieving plane coverage without proportionally increasing the number of light sources.
2Ease of operation
If conventional light barriers are used for pallet detection, then detection is possible, but reliability decreases due to damaged pallets causing defective switching connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single expanded light beam that provides excessive coverage area, creating a detection plane that is larger than the minimum required. This ensures that even if parts of the beam are blocked by damaged or missing pallet components, sufficient light interruption remains to reliably detect the pallet's presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the light beam by expanding it transversely to create a linear profile with specific intensity distribution. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate partial blockages while maintaining reliable detection, as the expanded beam provides redundancy across its width.
3Reliability
If light grids are used to provide continuous detection plane, then detection security is improved, but cost and complexity increase due to multiple beams requiring adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple discrete light beams into a single expanded light beam. By using one light source with transverse expansion and optical distribution elements, the system achieves the detection security of multiple beams while eliminating the complexity of adjusting and maintaining multiple independent beam sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single expanded light beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates a detection plane, provides redundant coverage area, and eliminates the need for individual beam adjustment. This multi-functionality achieves the reliability of light grids without their operational complexity.
4Device complexity
If the recognition threshold is fixed, then simple evaluation is possible, but reliability decreases due to contamination and aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the received light signal level and using this information to dynamically adjust the recognition threshold. The evaluation unit compares the current received signal with the stored reference value and adapts the threshold accordingly, ensuring reliable object detection despite changes in optical system conditions due to contamination or aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing a reference light signal value during an initial phase when no objects are present. This pre-stored reference value serves as the basis for subsequent threshold adjustments, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex real-time analysis.
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 sensor provides a continuous detection plane with increased security and reduced costs by recognizing small light changes, maintaining reliability across varying conditions without the need for discrete beam adjustments, and automatically adjusts for long-term changes in the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (12) for the transmission of transmitted light (22), with the transmitted light (22) being expanded, in particular in linear form, by an optical transmission system (24) associated with the transmitter (12)
Implementation Method 2
The construction space (spacing between the transmitter or receiver and the associated lens) required for this purpose due to the optical constraints can be reduced by the use of a Fresnel lens.
Implementation Method 3
a receiver (14), designed as a photodiode, for example
Implementation Method 4
with a free beam path, via the reflector (26) or directly from the receiver (14)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor having a transmitter (12) for the transmission of transmitted light (22), a receiver (14) for the reception of the transmitted light (28) and for the provision of an electronic received signal (I), an evaluation unit (16) for the recording of the received signal (I) and for the outputting of a detection signal when an opaque object (36) to be detected enters into the transmitted light beam. To provide an improved sensor with which in particular objects can be detected in an improved manner on which only some of the transmitted light is incident, it is proposed that the transmitted light profile (22) defines a detection zone extending transversely to the transmitted beam direction between the transmitter and receiver or reflector (26) and is received by the receiver (14), with a free beam path, via the reflector or directly by the receiver (14) and that the evaluation unit (16) has means for the determination and adjustment of a recognition threshold value (S) and that the detection signal can be output when the received signal (I) is beneath the recognition threshold value (S).