Photoelectric Switch Muting Control for Multiple Danger Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety photoelectric switches require multiple devices for safety control of multiple danger sources, leading to increased costs and potential interference issues among optical scanning type photoelectric switches, which can be costly and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric switch with multiple output systems that allow users to set different safety functions and detection capabilities for each output system, including a muting function and interlock function, reducing the need for additional safety PLCs and relay apparatuses, and minimizing interference through timed inspection signals and adjustable detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical scanning type photoelectric switches are arranged in one danger area to cover multiple danger sources, then the protection coverage is improved, but interference problems occur between the switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photoelectric switch into multiple independent detection units, each with its own detection axis. Each unit can independently detect objects along its specific axis without interfering with other units, thereby maintaining reliable detection across multiple danger sources while avoiding interference problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a photoelectric switch that can serve multiple functions simultaneously - it can detect objects along multiple different axes using a single device, replacing the need for multiple separate optical scanning switches while maintaining protection coverage and avoiding interference
2Reliability
If multiple photoelectric switches are arranged for multiple danger sources, then safety control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single photoelectric switch device. By integrating multiple detection units with different detection axes into one device, it eliminates the need for multiple separate switches and associated PLCs, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive safety control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal photoelectric switch that can perform multiple detection functions simultaneously along different axes, replacing the need for multiple specialized switches and external control systems, thus simplifying the overall system while ensuring safety control
3Measurement precision
If optical scanning type photoelectric switches are used for broad range scanning, then detection capability is improved, but arrangement flexibility is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple independent units with specific detection axes. Each unit maintains its detection capability along its designated axis without requiring broad scanning, allowing flexible arrangement in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, inclined) without causing interference between units
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 efficient and cost-effective safety control for multiple danger sources with reduced hardware requirements and minimized interference, ensuring reliable safety operations without the need for additional safety PLCs or relay apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
projects and receives light to detect the presence of an object inside a previously set two-dimensional or three-dimensional protection area by means of light from the object inside the protection area
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric switch reduces a cost load of a user while ensuring its protection function inherent to safety equipment without impairing its safety function, and an optical scanning type photoelectric switch is provided with a muting function settable by the user, which is a function of temporarily invalidating sensing of part or the whole of a protection area, and is provided with two output systems, with respect to each of which the muting function is settable and on each output of which an inspection signal is superimposed at a different timing in a time-division manner.