Optoelectronic Sensor Alignment Light Transmitter Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic sensors face challenges in precise alignment and detection, particularly in maintaining high detection capability and functional reserve, especially under varying conditions such as long ranges and rapid soiling, and in distinguishing between complete and partial occlusion by objects.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using additional transmitters to provide quantitative alignment information without requiring a complex light receiver, utilizing a simple photodiode as the light receiver and multiplexing to activate transmitters for multiple signal pickup, with alignment light transmitters sharing the same transmission optics as the useful light transmitter to ensure internal adjustment and reduce installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple photodiode receiver is used instead of a matrix receiver, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and quantitative alignment information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented from the detection function. Multiple alignment light transmitters are arranged at different positions and activated sequentially to provide alignment information, while the simple photodiode receiver remains unchanged for detection. This segmentation allows the receiver to stay simple while still obtaining precise alignment data through temporal multiplexing of transmitter activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment light transmitters serve as intermediaries between the sensor system and the target object. These additional transmitters provide the necessary alignment information that would otherwise require a complex matrix receiver, acting as a mediator that enables precise alignment measurement while keeping the receiver simple.
2Measurement precision
If additional alignment light transmitters are added, then alignment information quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alignment light transmitters are merged into a single coordinated system that shares common control and evaluation electronics. The transmitters are activated in sequence rather than simultaneously, and their signals are processed through the same receiver and evaluation unit, effectively merging their functions while maintaining individual positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment light transmitters are activated periodically in sequence rather than continuously. Each transmitter is activated for a brief period, the receiver measures the signal, then the next transmitter is activated. This periodic sequential activation provides comprehensive alignment information while minimizing the time each transmitter needs to operate and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If transmitted light beams are expanded with a light-scattering film, then detection capability for structured objects is improved, but transmission energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly scattering light across the entire beam path with a light-scattering film, the invention uses locally directed alignment light transmitters positioned at specific locations. Each transmitter targets a specific region, providing localized illumination that maintains energy efficiency while ensuring sufficient light reaches the receiver for reliable detection of structured objects.
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 approach optimizes the reception intensity ratio, ensures reliable detection even under minor light changes, and allows for continuous detection levels, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining high switching frequency and safety, particularly suitable for detecting pallets of varying heights.
Implementation Method 1
transmitted light beams are expanded... so that the object to be detected is illuminated
Implementation Method 2
the transmitted light beams are expanded, for example linearly, with a light-scattering film
Implementation Method 3
a receiver for receiving transmitted light reflected from an object... in which the electronic signal of the receiver is evaluated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) is described, comprising a useful light transmitter (12), a light receiver (14) for generating an electrical reception signal from incident light, and an evaluation unit (16) which can detect an object in the beam path from the useful light transmitter (12) to the light receiver (14) based on the received signal. A first alignment light transmitter (13a) is provided. A second alignment light transmitter (13b) is also provided, wherein the first alignment light transmitter (13a) and the second alignment light transmitter (13b) can be activated individually. The evaluation unit (16) is configured to determine alignment information about the adjustment of the sensor (10) based on a first alignment reception signal from the light receiver (14) when the first alignment light transmitter (13a) is activated and a second alignment reception signal from the light receiver (14) when the second alignment light transmitter (13b) is activated.