Time-of-flight Sensor Safety Clip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight sensor modules face challenges in preventing unforeseen health-damaging emission of radiation power, especially in the event of damage or improper activation, which can lead to eye health risks and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight sensor module design featuring a housing with a safety clip mechanism that automatically disconnects the light source from power when the light optics move beyond a predetermined position, ensuring that the light source is either powered down or completely prevented from emitting high-intensity radiation, thereby preventing accidental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-intensity light sources are used to illuminate the scene, then image quality and measurement precision are improved, but the risk of eye health damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a safety clip that mechanically blocks the light path before light can reach the aperture in case of malfunction. This preliminary protective measure prevents high-intensity light from causing eye damage while allowing normal high-power operation when the safety mechanism is intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture acts as an intermediary element between the high-intensity light source and the external environment. It controls and limits light exposure, serving as a protective barrier that can be combined with the safety clip mechanism to prevent uncontrolled light emission.
2Reliability
If the housing is made completely enclosed to prevent light leakage, then safety is improved, but light transmission to the sensor is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into different functional zones: enclosed sections for safety and light-blocking, and selectively open sections (aperture) for light transmission. The safety clip further segments the light path, providing mechanical blocking capability while maintaining the overall housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing exhibits different properties in different locations: most areas are enclosed and opaque for safety, while specific local regions (aperture area) are designed to be transparent or open for light transmission. The safety clip adds another layer of local control over light paths.
3Reliability
If the safety clip is designed to automatically disconnect upon light optics movement, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety clip is designed to automatically respond to light optics movement without requiring external control systems. The mechanical connection between the safety clip and light optics mount creates a self-actuating safety mechanism that disconnects or blocks light paths based on positional changes, eliminating the need for additional sensors or control electronics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a time-of-flight sensor module with a sensor arrangement (1). The sensor arrangement comprises: - a module insert (7) with a carrier section (7b) and a plug-in element (8), - a circuit board (2a) on which a light source, a light sensor (4) and a control unit (31) are arranged, - an optical frame (11) for a light optic (3), a sensor optic (5) and a spot diode optic (6), wherein the sensor arrangement (1) has a locking clip (9) which is arranged on the circuit board (2a).