Multi-optical Axis Sensor Light Plate Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing light transmissive plates in multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors face challenges such as weak chemical resistance, uneven sealing, increased costs due to size-specific components, and labor-intensive assembly processes, particularly when dealing with varying frame body lengths and widths.
Innovation Solution
A configuration using elongated supports on the frame body and caps with a string-shaped elastic member in a closed loop, where the light transmissive plate is sandwiched between fixing members and the elastic member, allowing for easy adjustment to frame body length and width changes without requiring size-specific elastic members, and utilizing grooves and holddown members for stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a double-sided adhesive tape is used to fix the light transmissive plate, then the fixation process is simple, but the chemical resistance is weak and sealing reliability deteriorates when chemicals act on the adhesive tape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reusable but chemically vulnerable double-sided adhesive tape with a disposable string-shaped elastic member that has superior chemical resistance. The elastic member is designed to be replaced if needed, sacrificing long-term reusability for immediate chemical stability and sealing reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite sealing structure combining the string-shaped elastic member with groove structures in the frame body and cap. This composite approach integrates the elastic properties of the rubber material with the rigid structural support of the grooves, achieving both simplicity of fixation and high sealing reliability under chemical exposure.
2Reliability
If a ring rubber is used to fix the light transmissive plate, then sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for size-specific ring rubbers and supporting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into a simple string-shaped elastic member that can be independently replaced, rather than using a complex ring rubber structure. The segmentation allows the elastic member to be a simple linear component instead of a closed-loop ring, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The string-shaped elastic member is designed to be universal across different sensor sizes. By using a linear elastic member that can be cut to length rather than size-specific ring rubbers, the same basic component design serves multiple product variants, reducing the number of unique parts needed and simplifying inventory management.
3Manufacturing precision
If size-specific ring rubbers are used for different frame body lengths, then sealing accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for multiple rubber sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal string-shaped elastic member design that can be used across all frame body sizes. Instead of manufacturing multiple sizes of ring rubbers, a single elastic member design is used and simply cut to the appropriate length for each application, dramatically reducing the number of unique parts and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining sealing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from fixed-size ring rubbers to variable-length string-shaped elastic members. By allowing the length of the elastic member to be adjusted rather than manufacturing different sized rings, the system achieves sealing accuracy for different frame sizes without the cost penalty of producing multiple rubber component sizes.
4Reliability
If multiple string-shaped rubbers and plate-like rubbers are used for sealing, then water-proof sealing is achieved, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate sealing components (string-shaped rubbers and plate-like rubbers) into a single integrated string-shaped elastic member. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps and eliminates the need for complex multi-component sealing arrangements, making the assembly process simpler while maintaining water-proof sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sealing function into a single flexible string-shaped elastic member that can conform to the frame body and cap interfaces. Rather than requiring multiple rigid sealing components positioned at specific locations, the segmented elastic member provides continuous sealing along the interface, reducing assembly complexity.
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 simplifies the fixation process, reduces production costs by eliminating the need for size-specific components, and enhances sealing stability while minimizing worker burden and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a string-shaped elastic member (7) is disposed in a closed loop including each support (31) of the frame body and the communication portion (40, 43, 44) of each cap (4)
Implementation Method 2
a rod-shaped holddown member (8) is inserted between each side edge of the light transmissive plate (6) and the stopper plate (30) to press the light transmissive plate (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A casing 100 forms an outer shape of each of a projector and an optical receiver of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. The casing 100 includes a frame body 3 having a front and both ends open, a pair of caps 4 and 4 to cover both ends of the frame body 3, and a light transmissive plate 6 to cover the open front of the frame body 3. In the inner surfaces of both side plates of the frame body 3, supports 31 and 31 which extend along the corresponding side edges of the opening of the front are formed. Both side edges of the light transmissive plate 6 are supported by the supports 31 and 31, and both ends thereof are supported by the caps 4 and 4. Portions of the caps 4 and 4 that support the light transmissive plate 6 include communication portions to communicate with the supports 31 and 31 of the frame body 3, and a string-shaped elastic member 7 is disposed around a closed loop formed by each support and each communication portion. The light transmissive plate 6 is held between the string-shaped elastic member 7 and at least one fixing member disposed for the frame body 3 and the caps 4 and 4. This configuration facilitates fixing of the light transmissive plate 6 and changing of a size of the frame body 3.