Rotating Sensor Head Housing for Light Grid Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic sensor arrangements face limitations in adjustment flexibility and space efficiency due to restricted fastening options and complex alignment requirements, which hinder the effective deployment of light grids for monitoring applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular light grid design featuring a detachable second housing with a rotating sensor head housing, allowing for adjustable alignment and integration with machine controllers via secure electrical interfaces, along with integrated control units and protective circuits for enhanced safety and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening device is arranged on the housing to attach the light grid to building walls or machine frames, then the light grid can be securely mounted, but the space requirements increase and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is integrated directly into the sensor head housing, merging the mounting function with the sensor housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and reduces overall space requirements while maintaining secure attachment to building walls or machine frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor head housing serves multiple functions: it protects the sensitive optical components, provides structural support, and acts as the fastening device for mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fastening device with alignment capability is used to enable adjustment of the housing relative to the frame profile, then the adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor head housing is designed with rotational capability around the housing longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the light grid's orientation. This rotational freedom provides adjustment flexibility without requiring complex alignment mechanisms, as the housing can be rotated to the desired angle and then secured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into a stationary second housing and a rotatable sensor head housing. This segmentation allows the sensor head to be independently adjusted relative to the mounting structure, providing flexibility without complicating the overall fastening device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor head housing is fixed in position within the second housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the adjustment flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor head housing is designed to rotate around the housing longitudinal axis within the second housing, transforming the fixed position into a dynamically adjustable one. This allows the system to maintain structural stability when mounted while providing flexibility for alignment adjustments during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The modular design enables flexible adjustment and secure connection of light grids, improving safety and adaptability while reducing space requirements and allowing for various sensor configurations, thus enhancing the effectiveness of optoelectronic sensor systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light emitter and/or a light receiver is arranged, with the housing having at least one front pane in a side wall, which is used for the light or light emitted by the light emitter the light detected by the light receiver is transparent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2843447B1Light grid
Publication Date: 2016.06.01 SICK AG
  • EP2843447B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2843447B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2843447B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Light grid with a first sensor head housing (2) having a housing longitudinal axis (4) with several light transmitters (6) and/or several light receivers (8), at least one first evaluation unit (10) which is arranged in the sensor head housing (2) for evaluating received signals and for outputting analog or digital received data (12), wherein a second housing (14) is provided which is detachably connected to the sensor head housing (2), wherein the sensor head housing (2) can only be connected to the second housing (14) by means of a first electrical interface (16) and the second housing (14) can be connected to a machine control (20) by means of a second electrical interface (18), wherein the sensor head housing (2) is rotatably mounted in the second housing (14) about the housing longitudinal axis (4).