Single Reflection Body for Multi-Area Light Barrier Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light barrier systems require multiple pairs of reflective devices and bodies, which are space-intensive and difficult to calibrate, especially in limited spaces like conveyor systems, where each pair must be calibrated separately and is sensitive to torsion, making the process tedious and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A light barrier system using a single reflection body that reflects light beams from different directions, allowing multiple areas to be monitored with fewer devices, reducing space requirements and simplifying calibration by being insensitive to torsion, with the reflection body configured to reflect beams at angles of at least 20°, preferably 180° or 360°, using shapes like spherical or cylindrical with triple prisms or reflective foils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of reflection light barrier devices and reflection bodies are used to monitor several areas, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reflection bodies into a single integrated reflection body that can reflect light beams from multiple different directions. Instead of using separate reflection bodies for each monitoring area, the invention combines their functions into one component that handles multiple light beam paths simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of components and installation space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection body is designed with multi-functional capability to reflect light beams incident from multiple different directions (at least 20° apart) back in parallel. This universal design allows a single reflection body to serve multiple monitoring areas that would traditionally require separate reflection bodies, improving space efficiency while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pairs of light barrier devices and reflection bodies are used, then each area can be monitored independently, but the calibration process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple reflection functions into a single reflection body, the calibration process is merged into one unified procedure. Instead of calibrating multiple separate pairs of devices independently, the invention allows calibration of the entire system through a single process, significantly reducing the time and effort required while maintaining independent monitoring capability for each area.
3Reliability
If multiple separate reflection bodies are used, then each light barrier device can be optimized for its specific direction, but the system becomes sensitive to torsion and more error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple directional reflection functions into a single robust reflection body structure. This unified structure is less sensitive to torsion compared to multiple separate reflection bodies, as the integrated design provides structural stability and reduces the cumulative error potential that arises from multiple separate components. The single reflection body maintains directional optimization while being more tolerant of installation variations and mechanical stress.
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 system achieves a space-saving design that simplifies calibration and reduces errors by using a shared reflection body to monitor multiple areas with reduced device count, allowing flexible placement and easy adjustment of light barrier devices, while maintaining effective light reflection across a wide angular range.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection body (6), which is configured to reflect back light beams emitted from at least two different directions in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier system, comprising at least two reflection light barrier devices, each of which is configured to emit a light beam and to detect a reflected light beam, wherein the light barrier system comprises a reflection body, which is configured to reflect back light beams emitted from at least two different directions in parallel, which are spaced apart at an angle of at least 20°, wherein the at least two reflective light barrier devices are arranged in such a way that they emit light beams from different directions onto the same reflection body in order to monitor at least two spatially different areas. In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a reflection body.