Safety Laser Scanner Deflection Unit for Compact Test Target Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of safety laser scanners leads to space constraints for test targets, making it difficult to perform reliable function tests, especially with multi-spot transmitters where individual beams pass through the rear scanning area at different heights and times, necessitating separate test targets which are not feasible in small designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional deflection unit with focusing properties that redirects the emitted light beam to a test target offset from the monitoring level, allowing all individual light beams to be bundled and tested with a single test target, even in compact designs, while ensuring eye protection and compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is applied to safety laser scanners, then the sensor size is reduced, but the space for test targets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by redirecting light beams from the rear scanning area (2D plane) to a test target positioned in a different spatial location. The deflection unit angles the beams upward or downward so they converge on a test target offset from the monitoring level, effectively using the third dimension (vertical offset) to resolve the space constraint in the rear scanning area.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection unit serves as an intermediary element between the light transmitter and the test target. It receives the light beams in the rear scanning area and redirects them to converge on the test target, enabling the test target to be positioned away from the constrained rear scanning space while still allowing functional testing.
2Power
If multi-spot transmitters are used, then optical output power is increased, but separate test targets are required for each beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test target requirements into a single test target by using the deflection unit to redirect light beams from multiple transmitters to converge on one common test target. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate test targets into a single location, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to test each beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The single test target serves multiple functions by receiving and reflecting light beams from multiple different transmitters. The test target becomes a universal testing point that can be accessed by all individual light beams despite their different emission positions and angles, eliminating the need for separate test targets for each transmitter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light beams pass through the rear scanning area at different heights, then multi-spot transmission is achieved, but test target placement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the test target placement problem by moving the test target to a different vertical position (dimension) than the rear scanning area. The deflection unit angles the light beams so they converge on a test target positioned above or below the monitoring level, effectively using the vertical dimension to bypass the horizontal space constraint in the rear scanning area.
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 reliable functional testing of safety laser scanners in compact designs by using a single test target, maintaining eye protection and adhering to safety standards, even with multi-spot transmitters, by redirecting light beams to a common focus, thus optimizing space usage and reducing the need for multiple test targets.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an additional deflection unit with focusing properties that redirects the emitted light beam to a test target offset from the monitoring level
Implementation Method 2
The deflection unit also has focusing properties so that the deflection to the test target is independent of the height of the emitted light beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The sensor (10) has a light transmitter (12) for emitting a light beam (14) into a monitoring level (18). A light receiver (24) receives another light beam (20) diffusely reflected by an object in the monitoring level. A movable deflector (16) periodically deflects the emitted light beam to scan the monitoring level in the course of movement. A deflecting unit (36) i.e. rotating mirror, for focusing the emitted light beam is arranged in an optical path between the movable deflector and a test target (34) to bundle the light beam and to deflect the beam to the test target. An independent claim is also included for an object detection method.