Photoelectric Sensor Holder Layout for Sealed Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of photoelectric sensors limits the capacity for accommodating optical components while compromising sealing properties due to reduced edge width, leading to potential connection issues between the cover lens and holder.
Innovation Solution
A small photoelectric sensor design featuring a holder with four independently provided fixing parts at its corners, allowing for a wider opening and secure connection of a cover lens without narrowing the edge width, which increases accommodation capacity and maintains sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the outer shape of the holder is made smaller to miniaturize the photoelectric sensor, then the overall size is reduced, but the capacity for accommodating optical components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front surface of the holder is segmented into multiple regions: a central opening region for optical components and four corner fixing part regions. This segmentation allows the opening to be positioned optimally in the center while fixing parts are distributed at corners, maximizing the use of available space within the miniaturized holder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing parts are positioned at the four corners of the front surface, utilizing the peripheral dimension effectively. This corner positioning strategy allows the central opening to maintain sufficient width for optical components while the holder overall dimensions are reduced, effectively using spatial distribution to resolve the volume conflict.
2Volume of stationary object
If the width of the edge is narrowed to increase accommodation capacity, then more space is available for optical components, but the connection between the cover lens and holder becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The front surface is divided into a central opening area and four corner fixing areas. This segmentation allows the edge width around the opening to be maintained at a sufficient width for reliable cover lens connection, while the corner regions are utilized for fixing parts, effectively separating the sealing function from the fixing function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing edge width to increase capacity, the solution moves fixing parts to the corner regions of the front surface. This dimensional redistribution allows the central opening and its surrounding edge to maintain adequate width for sealing, while accommodation capacity is increased through optimized spatial arrangement of components.
3Volume of stationary object
If the edge width is narrowed to accommodate more optical components, then capacity increases, but it becomes difficult to secure sealing properties
Solution Approach 1:
The front surface is segmented into a central opening region for optical components and four corner regions for fixing parts. This segmentation enables the edge surrounding the opening to maintain sufficient width for reliable sealing and connection, while corner spaces are utilized for fixing parts, thereby increasing overall accommodation capacity without compromising sealing ease of manufacture.
4Area of stationary object
If four fixing parts are provided at the corners instead of surrounding the edge, then the opening can be widened, but the structural support may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front surface is segmented into a large central opening area and four corner fixing areas. This segmentation allows the opening to be maximally widened in the central region while fixing parts at the four corners provide distributed structural support, effectively maintaining holder strength through strategic corner positioning rather than continuous edge support.
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 design effectively increases the capacity for optical components while ensuring reliable sealing and connection between the holder and cover lens, even when the sensor's outer shape is minimized, enhancing the sensor's performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the cover lens is disposed so that it overlaps an edge that defines the opening of the holder and may be connected to the edge by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like
Implementation Method 2
the cover lens is disposed so that it overlaps an edge that defines the opening of the holder and may be connected to the edge by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a small photoelectric sensor (1) that can secure a capacity for accommodating optical components and secure sealing properties. The small photoelectric sensor (1) includes a holder (11) in which an opening (13), an edge (14) that defines the opening (13), and four fixing parts (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) that are independently provided at four corners of a front surface (17) are formed on the front surface (17); a cover lens (15) that is provided at a position interposed between the four fixing parts (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), and is connected to the edge (14) in a region overlapping the edge (14); and an optical component that is held by the holder (11) and projects or receives light through the opening (13).