Switchable Beam Splitter Optoelectronic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic sensors for surveillance areas are complex and bulky, requiring multiple light sources and movable optical arrangements, which increase space requirements and can be susceptible to vibrations, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor using a switchable beam division arrangement with at least one light source to generate multiple defined transmission rays, allowing for a compact and robust system that eliminates the need for rotating mirrors and multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to scan extended surveillance areas, then the measurement range is expanded, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources into a single integrated semiconductor laser component with multiple emission elements (e.g., laser bars or laser diodes) arranged in a specific geometry. This merging approach allows multiple beams to be generated from one compact component rather than using separate light sources, thereby expanding measurement range while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single semiconductor laser component serves multiple functions by generating multiple independent light beams simultaneously. Each emission element can be independently controlled to scan different regions of the surveillance area, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple separate light sources while maintaining versatility in coverage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable optical arrangements such as rotating mirrors are used to scan the surveillance area, then the measurement range is expanded, but the system becomes susceptible to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (rotating mirrors, moving components) with a stationary optical arrangement. Multiple fixed semiconductor laser elements emit beams in different directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical movement. This substitution maintains the ability to scan extended areas while removing susceptibility to vibrations caused by moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using continuous mechanical rotation to scan areas, the system employs periodic modulation of the light emission from multiple fixed laser elements. By controlling the emission timing and duration of each laser element, the system achieves scanning functionality through temporal modulation rather than mechanical movement, thereby eliminating vibration susceptibility.
3Productivity
If multiple scanning beams are generated simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light generation functions into a single semiconductor laser component with multiple emission elements. This integrated structure allows simultaneous generation of multiple scanning beams from one component, improving productivity through parallel measurement while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate light sources and their respective control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor laser component is segmented into multiple independent emission elements (laser bars or diodes) that can be controlled independently. Each segment can generate its own scanning beam simultaneously, enabling high-speed parallel measurements that improve productivity while the integrated component structure keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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 solution enables a compact, robust, and efficient multi-beam optoelectronic sensor that can achieve high sampling rates and precise distance measurement without the drawbacks of traditional systems, such as increased size and susceptibility to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter arrangement with at least one input for coupling in transmitted light and a plurality of outputs for coupling out transmitted light, wherein the number of outputs is greater than the number of inputs
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter arrangement further comprises a plurality of switchable beam splitters for splitting the transmitted light between the outputs
Implementation Method 3
transmitting optics for projecting the transmitted light beams into a monitored area
Implementation Method 4
a light receiver with an upstream receiving optics for receiving light beams remitted from the monitored area
Implementation Method 5
obtain information about an object in the monitored area, the control and evaluation unit can calculate a light propagation time between the emission of the transmitted light beams and the reception of the light beams remitted by the object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting an object (24) in a monitoring area (22) with at least one light source (12) for emitting transmitted light, a light receiver (30) with upstream receiving optics (28) for generating received signals from light beams (26) reflected by the object, and a control and evaluation unit (40) for obtaining information about the object from the received signals, has a beam splitter arrangement (14) downstream of the light source (12) for splitting the transmitted light into several separated transmitted light beams (20), wherein the beam splitter arrangement (14) contains several switchable beam splitters (64a, 64b.1, 64b.2, 64c.1, 64c.2, 64c.3, 64c.4) for splitting the transmitted light.