What type of sensor triggers actions when sensor and its target are directly looking at each other.
“Directly looking at each other” condition (sensor and it’s target) is for preventing sensors from reacting to other targets that will be in close proximity (about 70mm (3 inches) apart).
There are 3 or 4 pairs of sensor-target sets operating at about 70mm (3 inches) between sets.
Distance between each sensor and its target is about 600mm (24 inches).
There are many metal and non-metal parts that are not to be considered target (sensor should not react to them). Each sensor should respond to its designated target only.
Many thanks in advance for help.
I am not a control engineer.
You can use Infrared (IR) Sensors (Active or Reflective). Active IR sensors emit infrared light and measure the reflection of that light when it strikes a target. Reflective sensors are designed to detect the presence of a specific target when it’s within the sensor’s range and line-of-sight.
To confirm, will the sensors always have line of sight to each other or will these other objects you describe be between the emitter and detector? That will change the technology immensely.
At times there will be some objects between emitter and its detector, and other times won’t.
However, regardless of an object being between an emitter and its respective detectors, the sensor should only react when emitter and its respective detector align fully (directly look at each other, like seeing each other in a mirror).
I am away from my computer now, tomorrow I’ll creat a drawing. That might help.
If there are going to be objects between the two blades even when they should trigger, that kind of eliminates any sensors which require line of sight like infrared, laser or ultrasonic. Even radar would not really “know”. As such, you might just add a linear potentiometer (or a customer potentiometer) to each blade so it knows its position along one axis and triggers when they are both at the same position (in code).
Hello, based on your requirements, the sensor only triggers actions for “direct alignment” targets, and can ignore other objects within 70 millimeters and metal/non-metal interference components nearby. With a detection distance of 600 millimeters, I think the most suitable option is “reflective photoelectric sensor (with a dedicated reflective plate as the target)”.
Hi.
My bad.
I apologize.
I should have been more specific.
When the two blades are vertically aligned (does need need to be completely aligned say 85 - 95 degrees aligned) there will not be any object between the blades.
Other alternative would be to define the entirety of one of the blades (top or bottom) as target and whichever emitter gets aligned with the target zone (detection zone) first triggers the action. Top and bottom blades are not always parallel. Moving blade may move in an angle with the fixed blade. Meaning not always moving emitters will arrive to alignment zone at the same time.
Does the second alternative simplifies the sensor work? (In terms of simplicity of the sensor itself, sensing/detection accuracy, trigger time…)
Hi
Thank you for joining The conversation.
I am not a control engineer. Your help is very much needed. Thanks again.
I am going to repeat what I mention in reply to CBenson. As what I say will add little value to technical discussion on the matter.
“When the two blades are vertically aligned (does need need to be completely aligned say 85 - 95 degrees aligned) there will not be any object between the blades.
Other alternative would be to define the entirety of one of the blades (top or bottom) as target and whichever emitter gets aligned with the target zone (detection zone) first triggers the action. Top and bottom blades are not always parallel. Moving blade may move in an angle with the fixed blade. Meaning not always moving emitters will arrive to alignment zone at the same time.
Does the second alternative simplifies the sensor work? (In terms of simplicity of the sensor itself, sensing/detection accuracy, trigger time…)”
Hi,
Yes, the second solution (target area detection) simplifies the working principle of the sensor in the following aspects:
Sensor simplicity: No strict alignment is required (such as the 85°-95° vertical alignment required for reflective type), and installation is more flexible. Only a single-sided installation is needed (reflective/ diffuse reflective), reducing the reliance on mechanical precision.
Detection accuracy: It is slightly lower than the reflective type (possibly affected by ambient light or reflection interference), but it can meet general requirements through sensitivity adjustment.
Trigger time: The response is faster, and there is no need to wait for complete alignment. As long as the detection area is entered, it can trigger.
