Optoelectronic Sensor Synchronization Under Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic sensor arrangements, such as light grids, face challenges in maintaining synchronization when parts of the monitoring area are permanently or partially covered by objects, leading to disruptions in the operational flow and safety functions, especially in applications like pallet movement monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The optoelectronic sensor arrangement employs additional light pulses emitted by different light transmitters in specific cycles, allowing synchronization even when most light beams are blocked, by utilizing the known timing and pattern of light pulses and pauses, eliminating the need for an additional synchronization signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization is performed using existing light beams, then synchronization can be maintained under normal conditions, but synchronization fails when light beams are permanently or partially covered by objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting synchronization information using light beams before the main monitoring function. The system pre-establishes synchronization channels that are specifically designed to remain operational even when monitoring beams are blocked, ensuring the system can maintain synchronization state before coverage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing additional light transmitters that serve dual purposes: they can function as monitoring beams when needed and as synchronization carriers when coverage occurs. These intermediary transmitters provide an alternative path for synchronization information transmission
2Reliability
If additional synchronization signals are transmitted separately, then synchronization can be maintained during coverage, but the system complexity and number of required components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing light transmitters that can serve multiple functions: they act as monitoring beams during normal operation and automatically switch to serving as synchronization carriers when their light paths are covered. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated synchronization transmitters, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synchronization function with the monitoring function by using the same light transmitter hardware for both purposes. The synchronization information is embedded within the light beam transmission, and when coverage occurs, the system automatically utilizes the covered beam's transmitter as the synchronization source, combining two functions into one integrated system
3Reliability
If the system stops operation when coverage is detected, then synchronization can be maintained, but operational flow and productivity are severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic response mechanism that automatically adapts system behavior based on coverage detection. When a light beam is covered, the system dynamically switches that beam's transmitter from monitoring mode to synchronization mode, allowing the system to maintain both synchronization reliability and operational continuity without static stopping rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to detect when light beams are covered and automatically triggers the switching of synchronization sources. The system continuously monitors beam status and provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the synchronization configuration accordingly, enabling continuous operation while maintaining synchronization
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 enables continuous synchronization and functionality of the sensor arrangement under unfavorable conditions, ensuring reliable operation even when parts of the light transmitters are permanently or long-term covered, thus maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light transmitters (2.1-2.6) arranged in a light transmitting element (12) and with a plurality of light receivers (4.1-4.6) arranged in a light receiving element (14)
Implementation Method 2
the light transmitter control (12c) is designed for each cycle to activate at least one covered light transmitter (2.1-2.6) for the emission of at least one additional light pulse (8.1-8.6) for the optical transmission of information from the light transmitting element (12) to the light receiving element (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Sensor arrangement with several light emitters (2.1-2.6) arranged in a light transmitting element (12) and with several receivers (4.1-4.6) arranged in a light receiving element (14), wherein each light emitter (2.1-2.6) and its associated light receiver (4.1-4.6) form a light emitter/receiver pair, and with a light emitter control and a light receiver control, wherein the light transmitting element and the light receiving element are electrically decoupled from each other, and wherein the light emitters (2.1-2.6) and the light receivers (4.1-4.6) can each be individually, sequentially, and cyclically activated for the emission and synchronous reception of light pulses, and wherein the light emitter control is configured for each cycle to emit a predetermined number of light pulses per light emitter. The light emitter control is configured such that in at least one cycle at least one light emitter (2.1-2.6) is activated.6) is activated to emit at least one additional light pulse for the optical transmission of information from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element (4.1-4.6), wherein the additional light pulse is emitted in different cycles from different light emitters (2.1-2.6) to ensure that the additional light pulse is not emitted for a longer period of time by just one of the light emitters (2.1-2.6) that is permanently or at least for a longer period of time covered.