Multiple-optical axis photoelectric sensor with distributed display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensors make it difficult for users to easily determine the light reception state of individual light receiving elements, as the display section is only located at the end of the light receiving surface.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor configuration that includes a light projector, a light receiver with multiple light receiving sections, a light receiver display section positioned near each light receiving section to display its state, and a synchronized display section on the light projector to simultaneously display the light reception state, allowing users to easily recognize the status of each light receiving section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display section is arranged only at an end part of the light receiving surface, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot easily grasp which light receiving element is in a good or bad light reception state
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is segmented and distributed to multiple locations. Instead of having a single centralized display section at the end of the light receiving surface, individual display sections are provided in the vicinity of each light receiving section, allowing users to easily identify the light reception state of specific elements while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A display synchronizing section is introduced as an intermediary component that coordinates between the light projector display section and the light receiver display section. This synchronizing mechanism ensures both displays show consistent light reception states simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple coordination layer rather than complex restructuring
2Loss of information
If display sections are provided at multiple locations, then the user can easily recognize light reception state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light receiving section is equipped with its own display section in the vicinity, providing localized information display. This allows the system to maintain simple individual components while achieving comprehensive information coverage, as each display section only needs to show information for its corresponding light receiving section rather than processing all information centrally
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
Enables users to easily identify which light receiving sections are in good or bad light reception states by checking the display sections on either the light receiver or light projector, facilitating timely maintenance and preventing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver having a plurality of light receiving elements... the light receiving element receives the light... detects blockage of an optical axis based on a light reception signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention allows a user to easily grasp which light receiving section is in what light reception state. The multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor (10) includes: a plurality of light receiving sections (110); a display section (120) which is provided in the vicinity of a corresponding light receiving section among the plurality of light receiving sections (110), the display section (120) displaying a light reception state of the corresponding light receiving section; and a display control section (103) which causes the display section (220) and the display section (120) to simultaneously display the light reception state.