Photosensor Leads with Direction Changing Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photosensors with standard flat (straight) and outer L-shaped designs require specific bending methods for their sensor modules, making it impossible for these modules to fit into both types of sensors effectively.

Innovation Solution

A photosensor design with emitter and receiver leads that include direction-changing sections, allowing the leads to be bent at multiple points or not at all, enabling the sensor module to fit both flat and L-shaped photosensors by adjusting the bending configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor module uses a single bending method for flat leads, then it can fit one type of photosensor (flat or L-shaped), but it cannot fit the other type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different photosensor typesVSAvoidlead bending configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the lead bending configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor module can be bent into different configurations (flat configuration for straight photosensors, L-shaped configuration for L-shaped photosensors) depending on the application requirement. This dynamic adaptability allows a single sensor module design to fit both types of photosensors by changing the bending state of the flat leads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flat leads by bending them at different locations and angles. By adjusting the bending position and angle of the flat leads, the same sensor module can adapt to different photosensor shapes. This parameter change approach enables versatility without requiring multiple dedicated module designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor module is designed with fixed lead shapes, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different photosensor types is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting capability for different photosensor shapesVSAvoidsensor module assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the sensor module in advance with flat leads that have predetermined bending capabilities but are not yet bent into final shapes. The bending action is performed as a preliminary preparation step before final assembly, allowing the same module to be adapted to different photosensor types. This preliminary action maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling future adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 a common sensor module to fit both standard flat and L-shaped photosensors, increasing flexibility and compatibility without compromising the sensor's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter 10... The light receiver 15 receives light from the light emitter 10

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a light receiver 15... The light receiver 15 receives light from the light emitter 10 and outputs a light receiving signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2919280B1Photosensor
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 OMRON CORP
  • EP2919280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2919280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2919280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A photosensor includes a module mountable on two types of photosensors, or a flat (straight) type and an outer L-shaped type. An emitter lead includes, between its first and second bases, a first direction changing section that changes the direction in which the emitter lead extends. A receiver lead includes, between its third and fourth bases, a second direction changing section that changes the direction in which the receiver lead extends. The length of the emitter lead from the first base and the first direction changing section to the second base viewed in the optical axis direction of light is smaller than the length of an L-shaped first virtual lead bent at one point by 90 degrees between the first and second bases viewed in the optical axis direction. The length of the receiver lead from the third base and the second direction changing section to the fourth base viewed in the optical axis direction is smaller than the length of an L-shaped second virtual lead bent at one point by 90 degrees between the third and fourth bases viewed in the optical axis direction.