Photoelectric Sensor Light Reception Unit Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric sensors of the separation type face difficulties in maintaining light reception performance while incorporating a display light emission source without increasing the sensor's size, particularly during optical axis alignment of the light projecting and receiving units.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light emitting element for indication optically coupled to the light receiving unit's optical fiber, allowing the light receiving unit to emit light while maintaining light reception performance by positioning the elements on a mounting substrate to ensure effective optical coupling and light supply to the optical fiber for light reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display light emission source is incorporated in the light receiving unit, then visual recognition of operation status is improved, but light reception performance deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving unit is segmented into distinct functional regions: a light reception region with a light receiving element for detecting detection light, and a display light emission region with a light emitting element for visual display. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to coexist without significant light interference, resolving the contradiction between visual recognition and light reception performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display light emission function is extracted as a separate component from the light receiving element. The light emitting element is positioned in a different region and oriented at a different angle, effectively separating the display function from the detection function to prevent mutual interference.
2Volume of moving object
If the light receiving unit is made compact to reduce sensor size, then device dimensions are reduced, but optical axis alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is positioned at a position different from the optical axis of the light receiving element, and is oriented to emit light in a direction different from the optical axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the display light to be emitted toward the distal end of the optical fiber for visual display, while the light receiving element maintains proper alignment for detection, thus enabling compact design without compromising alignment ease.
3Illumination intensity
If the light emitting element is positioned on the optical axis of the light receiving element, then light emission is maximized, but light reception performance deteriorates due to direct light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element and light receiving element are positioned asymmetrically relative to each other. The light emitting element is offset from the optical axis of the light receiving element and oriented at an angle, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents direct light interference while maintaining sufficient light emission intensity for visual display through optical fiber coupling.
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 photoelectric sensor to emit light with sufficient intensity for display without compromising light reception performance, facilitating easier optical axis alignment and visual recognition of the light receiving unit's status.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element for indication which is optically coupled to the light propagation member for light reception and projects an indication light into the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element configured to receive the detection light reflected from the detection region
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric sensor includes a connecting section for light projection to which a light propagation member for light projection optically coupled to a light emitting element is connected, a connecting section for light reception to which a light propagation member for light reception optically coupled to the light receiving element is connected, a signal generating unit configured to compare a light reception signal generated by the light receiving element and a threshold and generate a detection signal indicating a result of the comparison, a first light emitting element for indication optically coupled to the connecting section for light reception, and a mounting substrate on which each of the first light emitting element for indication and the light receiving element is positioned in the connecting section for light reception or one of the first light emitting element for indication and the light receiving element is positioned via the other.