Optical Scanning Sensor Reference Object for Compact Safety Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning safety sensors are bulky due to the inclusion of multiple reference sections, which increases their size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reference object with alternating highly reflective and hyporeflective regions, allowing for continuous assessment of light projection and reception success while minimizing sensor size through a scanning mirror and photodetector configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple reference sections are provided for continuous light projection and reception testing, then reliability of safety detection is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reference sections into a single integrated reference object with multiple reflective surfaces. Each reflective surface corresponds to a reference section but they are combined in one compact component, allowing continuous light projection and reception testing without increasing sensor size. The reflective surfaces are arranged to receive light beams at different positions while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple reflective surfaces in a spatial configuration that allows compact integration. The reflective surfaces are positioned at different locations and orientations (including angled surfaces) to receive light beams scanning in different directions, enabling multiple reference measurements within a small volume by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference sections are provided for evaluating light reception at different positions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reference sections into a single reference object with multiple reflective surfaces, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the capability to perform reference measurements at multiple positions. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate components for each reference section.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference object with multiple reflective surfaces serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides reference sections for light projection testing, light reception testing, and continuous safety monitoring. Each reflective surface can be used for different measurement purposes, making the single component multi-functional and reducing overall device complexity.
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 effective detection of objects with varying reflectances, reduces sensor size, and enhances robustness against installation errors, ensuring reliable operation with a wide dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to emit laser light
Implementation Method 2
a reference object which is disposed opposite the window, relative to the scanning mirror, and configured to reflect the laser light toward the scanning mirror
Implementation Method 3
a scanning mirror configured to scan the laser light in a circumference direction of the optical scanning safety sensor about a rotation shaft, and guide reflected light of the laser light to the photodetector
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector
Implementation Method 5
The reference object includes a first reflective surface including a first region and a second region whose reflectance is lower than the first region
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning safety sensor includes: a light emitter; a photodetector; a scanning mirror that scans laser light in a circumference direction of the sensor and guides reflected light of the laser light to the photodetector; a window which allows transmission of the laser light; and a reference object which is disposed opposite the window, relative to the scanning mirror, and reflects the laser light toward the scanning mirror. The reference object includes a reflective surface including a first region and a second region whose reflectance is lower than the first region. The first and second regions are aligned along the circumference direction. A first width of the first region is less than a second width of the second region, along the circumference direction. A spot width, along the circumference direction, of the laser light projected on the reference object is greater than the first width.