Sensor Tilting Mechanism for Offset Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensors, such as 3D laser scanners and cameras, struggle to detect objects that are offset from the viewing window, resulting in incomplete capture and recognition of barcodes or other information.

Innovation Solution

The sensor's information capture unit is designed with a defined reference edge and can be tilted to position its diagonal with the maximum number of signal detection points parallel to the reference edge, allowing for a wider detection angle without altering the sensor's components or resolution, ensuring complete object detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the sensor housing is mounted with the viewing window edge aligned parallel to the system, then the sensor structure is simple and stable, but the detection area is limited and offset objects cannot be completely captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoidsensor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the information capture unit movable relative to the viewing window by implementing a tilting mechanism. The capture unit can be rotated between a first position (edges parallel) and a second position (diagonal parallel), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different detection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotational degree of freedom around the optical axis of the sensor. By rotating the information capture unit around this axis, the detection area orientation changes from being constrained to one dimension (parallel to housing edges) to being adjustable in multiple orientations, effectively utilizing angular dimensionality.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the information capture unit is fixed in the first position with edges parallel to the viewing window, then the sensor structure is simple, but the detection angle is limited and cannot detect offset objects completely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection angleVSAvoidcapture unit positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tilting mechanism that allows the information capture unit to rotate between a first position (edges parallel to viewing window) and a second position (diagonal parallel to viewing window). This dynamic adjustment enables the sensor to adapt to objects at different angular positions, increasing the detection angle from a fixed orientation to multiple orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the information capture unit multi-functional by enabling it to operate in at least two distinct positions. In the first position, it captures objects aligned with the housing edges; in the second position, it captures objects aligned with diagonal directions. This multi-position capability provides universal detection coverage for various object orientations without requiring multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the viewing window size is increased to capture more offset objects, then the detection coverage is improved, but the sensor housing size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidhousing size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the physical size of the viewing window or housing, the patent employs a dynamic tilting mechanism for the information capture unit. By rotating the capture unit between different angular positions, the effective detection coverage is expanded without requiring a larger housing. The same capture surface area is reused at different orientations, achieving increased coverage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the information capture unit rather than changing the size parameter of the housing or viewing window. By adjusting the angular parameter (tilting the capture unit between parallel and diagonal orientations), the detection coverage is optimized for different object positions without increasing the physical dimensions of the sensor housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 increases the detection angle by up to 41% without additional components or changes to the sensor's original resolution, enabling complete capture of offset objects within the defined detection area.

Implementation Method 1

an information capture unit (5) arranged behind the viewing window (3), wherein the information capture unit (5) is designed or can be brought into a second position (P2) in the second position a diagonal (7) of the information acquisition unit (5) is positioned relative to the object (O)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2879076B1Sensor for detecting objects
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 SICK AG
  • EP2879076B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2879076B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP2879076B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor for detecting an object with a housing that has a viewing window with a defined reference edge to the object in a first position and an information acquisition unit arranged behind the viewing window, wherein the information acquisition unit is arranged or can be brought into a second position such that a diagonal of the information acquisition unit is positioned to the object in such a way as the defined reference edge in the first position.