Optical-Axis Photoelectric Sensor Fault Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors cannot determine the cause of abnormality in output, specifically distinguishing between electrical noise and disturbance light, which hinders maintenance and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A determining device with a first determining section to assess abnormality in non-overlapping light-receivable periods and a second section to differentiate between electrical noise and disturbance light based on the occurrence of abnormalities in adjacent or non-adjacent periods, allowing for accurate identification of noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor is used, then light reception state can be monitored, but cause of abnormality cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The determination mechanism is segmented into two independent functional sections: a first determination section that detects abnormality occurrence, and a second determination section that identifies the cause type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while providing comprehensive diagnostic capability by dividing the complex determination task into manageable, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary determination mechanism that acts as a mediator between the light-receiving elements and the control system. This intermediary section processes the raw signal data, performs abnormality detection, and provides structured diagnostic information to the control system, thereby bridging the gap between simple signal reception and complex fault diagnosis without requiring direct complex integration in the control system.
2Measurement precision
If abnormality detection is added to determine cause, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination structure is divided into two specialized sections: the first determination section focuses exclusively on detecting whether abnormality has occurred, while the second determination section specializes in identifying the cause type. This functional segmentation enables each section to be optimized for its specific task, improving overall detection accuracy while keeping individual section complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination mechanism operates periodically by evaluating signal characteristics across multiple cycles. The first determination section performs periodic abnormality detection, and the second determination section periodically identifies cause types based on the detected abnormalities. This periodic operation allows the system to accumulate diagnostic information over time without requiring continuous complex processing, thereby improving accuracy while controlling complexity.
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 the determination of whether abnormality in output is due to electrical noise or disturbance light, facilitating quicker maintenance and reducing downtime by providing clear diagnostic information.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, which includes a plurality of light-emitting elements and a plurality of light-receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention allows for determining a cause of abnormality in output of a light-receiving element among light-receiving elements in a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor. A multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor (1) determines that electrical noise occurs, in a case where abnormality in output occurs in both of adjacent light-receivable periods (Ts) in one light-receiving cycle (Tc).