Sensor Head Fixing Part Nested Within Cylindrical Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor heads with fixed fixtures often interfere with other components and have limited installation options, restricting their flexibility and density of arrangement.

Innovation Solution

A sensor head design featuring a cylindrical case part with a fixing part that is integrated and shaped to fit within the cylindrical outer shape, allowing for secure fixation without narrowing the apertures of the diffractive and objective lenses, thereby increasing installation flexibility and enabling denser arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixture is used to fix the sensor head to a predetermined position, then the sensor head can be securely fixed, but the fixture may interfere with other members and limit installation options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing part is integrated into the case part as a unified structure rather than being a separate fixture. The fixing part includes a fixing protrusion that fits into a fixing groove, creating a secure connection while maintaining a compact overall form that does not interfere with other members

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing part is designed with a nested structure where the fixing protrusion is positioned within the boundaries of the cylindrical part. When viewed in the central axis direction, the outer shape of the fixing part is within the outer shape of the cylindrical part, allowing it to be nested within the overall sensor head envelope without protruding outward to interfere with other components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the fixing part is made large to ensure secure fixation, then fixing strength is improved, but it may narrow the apertures of the diffractive lens and objective lens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidoptical aperture
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing part is positioned at a specific location on the case part where it provides sufficient fixing strength without interfering with the optical path. The fixing protrusion is located at the periphery of the cylindrical part, away from the central optical axis, allowing the diffractive lens and objective lens to maintain their full apertures while still achieving secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing function is achieved through a protrusion-groove mechanism that extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This dimensional approach allows the fixing part to provide substantial fixing strength through its structural engagement while maintaining a compact profile that does not encroach on the optical apertures of the lenses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The design enhances the flexibility of sensor head installation, prevents interference with other members, and allows for more compact and secure fixation, enabling denser arrangements without compromising the optical apertures, thus improving measurement precision and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a diffractive lens generating chromatic aberration along an optical axis direction on an incident light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatic aberration: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

an objective lens gathering the incident light on the measurement object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight gathering and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3462127B1Sensor head with fixing part for fixing to an object
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 OMRON CORP
  • EP3462127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a sensor head that can increase the flexibility of installation. The sensor head 100 is a sensor head of a sensor for measuring displacement of a measurement object 200. The sensor head 100 includes: a diffractive lens generating chromatic aberration along an optical axis direction on an incident light, a case part 5 housing at least the diffractive lens inside, and fixing parts 11 and 12 used for fixing to a fixing object. The case part 5 includes a cylindrical part 10 having a cylindrical outer shape, and the outer shapes of the fixing parts 11 and 12 are within the outer shape of the cylindrical part 10 when viewed in a central axis direction of the cylindrical part 10.