Photoelectric Sensor Housing Layout for Easier Switch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoelectric sensors with a built-in amplifier type configuration face difficulties in operability and installability when the optical axis is oriented horizontally, as the adjustment switches become harder to press, limiting installation orientations.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric sensor design featuring a housing with an inclined surface for the adjustment button, allowing easy input operations regardless of the light projecting/receiving surface orientation, combined with a spacious layout for other functional parts like the display and setting buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the photoelectric sensor is installed with the optical axis in the horizontal direction to increase detection distance, then the detection distance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the adjustment switch becomes difficult to press
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment switch is moved from traditional flat surfaces (front or rear) to an inclined surface that creates a new spatial dimension. This inclined surface is formed by obliquely cutting the housing, creating a sloped plane that allows the adjustment switch to be positioned at an angle that facilitates downward pressing motion regardless of the sensor's installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with an asymmetric inclined surface rather than symmetric flat surfaces. This asymmetric cut creates a unique sloped plane that is optimized for button pressing ergonomics, distinguishing the adjustment switch location from conventional symmetric sensor designs and enabling improved operability in horizontal installation configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the adjustment switch is placed on a flat surface for simple manufacturing, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when installed horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding complex multi-dimensional structures, the solution introduces a single inclined plane that bridges the gap between manufacturing simplicity and operational ease. This one-dimensional slope on the housing surface provides the necessary ergonomic advantage for horizontal installation while remaining relatively simple to manufacture through a single cutting operation.
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
Enhances installability and operability by ensuring easy access to adjustment buttons in both horizontal and vertical orientations, while maintaining a compact housing design.
Implementation Method 1
a light projecting part that emits light; a light receiving part that receives light
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The photoelectric sensor (10) includes a light projecting part (14) emitting light, a light receiving part (16) receiving light, a housing (12) housing the light projecting part (14) and the light receiving part (16), a setting part (18), and an adjustment part (20). The housing (12) includes a front surface (31) having a light projecting/receiving surface (31a) allowing light from the light projecting part (14) and light to the light receiving part (16) to pass, a rear surface (32) located on a side opposite to the front surface (31), a top surface (33) adjacent to the front surface (31) and extending in a direction orthogonal to the front surface (31) and the rear surface (32), and an inclined surface (37) inclined with respect to and connecting the top surface (33) and the rear surface (32). The adjustment part (20) is provided on the inclined surface (37).