Optoelectronic Sensor Cooling via Rotating Air Guide Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic sensors, particularly laser scanners, face challenges in effective cooling due to high heat generation from increased performance and compact design, making it difficult to maintain permissible operating temperatures, especially when electronics are movable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a targeted cooling system using air guide elements, such as propeller-shaped first air guide elements and three-dimensional ramp-shaped second air guide elements, to direct cooling air to heat-generating and heat-sensitive parts of the sensor, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the performance of the evaluation unit is increased and the sensor is compactly designed, then the measurement capability and integration are improved, but heat generation increases and cooling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into functionally independent modules (light transmitter unit, light receiver unit, evaluation unit) that can be separately cooled. Each module has its own cooling channels, allowing targeted heat removal from high-heat-generating components without affecting other parts.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium (air or liquid) is introduced as an intermediary to transfer heat from the evaluation unit and other heat-generating components to external heat sinks. The cooling medium flows through channels in the housing, absorbing heat and carrying it away from sensitive components.
2Device complexity
If passive cooling methods are used, then the structure is simple, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient and operating temperature control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluid-based cooling (air or liquid) flowing through dedicated channels in the sensor housing. This active thermal management system efficiently removes heat from the evaluation unit and maintains operating temperatures within permissible ranges, overcoming the limitations of passive cooling.
3Device complexity
If cooling air is not directed to specific components, then the cooling system is simple, but heat-sensitive parts cannot be effectively cooled
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensor housing have different cooling requirements. The patent implements localized cooling channels that direct cooling medium specifically to heat-generating components like the evaluation unit. This targeted approach ensures critical components are adequately cooled while avoiding unnecessary complexity in low-heat areas.
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
This solution effectively cools the heat-producing components, maintaining operational reliability and preventing issues like fogging or condensation, while allowing the sensor to maintain its performance and accuracy in distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air guide element L1, L2 is provided, by means of which air can be guided directly along the shaft W of the sensor S to the evaluation unit 3
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor, in particular a laser scanner, for detecting an object, comprising at least one light-emitting unit for emitting a light beam, at least one light-receiving unit for receiving a reflected light beam, and at least one evaluation unit that evaluates the reflected light beam and is arranged to be rotatable on and around a shaft of the sensor by means of a mounting plate, wherein at least one air guide element is provided and is shaped such that, when the shaft of the sensor rotates, air within the sensor can be guided directly to the at least one evaluation unit through the at least one air guide element along the shaft of the sensor.