Sensor Assembly Parallel Trigger Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements with multiple light curtains suffer from long throughput times and increased design complexity due to sequential activation of light curtains and the need for additional connections, leading to inefficient object detection and unreliable detection signals.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a trigger generator that cyclically generates trigger signals for parallel activation of light curtains, allowing flexible timing of measurement processes and reducing throughput times by enabling time-overlapping or simultaneous measurements, while simplifying connections to one line system and eliminating the need for separate cascading outputs and inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light curtains are connected in cascade with sequential activation, then object detection coverage area is increased, but throughput time increases and detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic trigger signals that cyclically activate multiple light curtains in a defined sequence. Each light curtain receives trigger signals at specific times within a cycle, enabling systematic coverage of large areas while maintaining controllable measurement intervals and reducing total throughput time compared to pure sequential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation timing of individual light curtains through configurable delay times and measurement intervals. This dynamic timing control allows optimization of the measurement cycle to balance coverage area with throughput time, enabling parallel or overlapping measurements when spatial conditions permit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cascading output and input connections are provided for each light curtain, then cascade formation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trigger signal distribution function into a single centralized trigger generator that outputs signals to multiple light curtains simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate cascading output and input connections at each light curtain, reducing connection complexity while maintaining the ability to form cascades and activate multiple curtains systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger generator serves multiple functions: it generates trigger signals, distributes them to multiple light curtains, and enables flexible activation sequences. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated cascading connections at each device, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining cascade capabilities.
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 significantly reduces response times, increases detection reliability, and simplifies the design complexity of light curtains by allowing flexible sequencing of measurement processes and eliminating optical interference, resulting in faster and more reliable object detection.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor arrangement with a multiple arrangement of light curtains (L1, L2) is provided with a trigger generator (12) which cyclically generates trigger signals which are fed to the light curtains (L1, L2). Each trigger signal starts a measurement process in the light curtains (L1, L2) with a specified delay time.
Implementation Method 2
The individual light curtains are each used to detect objects in a surveillance area and comprise a transmitter unit with an arrangement of transmitters emitting light beams and a receiver unit with an arrangement of receivers receiving light beams.
Data Source
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AI summary
The sensor arrangement has several light curtains (L1,L2) and a trigger generator (12) for generating cyclic trigger signals. The trigger signals are supplied to the light curtains in a parallel manner. The specific measuring operation is started based on the trigger signals received by the light curtains, after a predetermined delay time. The light curtains and the trigger generator are connected to a connection line (10).