Fiber Optics Sensor for Industrial Applications

Introduction

A Laser diode based fiber optic sensor is developed in the Mechanical Engineering Department. It is capable of distinguishing a right and wrong product. for example, if a packet does not contain the company seal it is considered wrong. Hence, when these packets are moving on a conveyor the sensor on the top of it helps in detecting the wrong one, and, accordingly thrown out of the conveyor by a pneumatic pusher. The sensor is presently interfaced with the PLC of an intelligent conveyor system situated in the Mechatronics Laboratory of the department and can perform the following tasks: 1. Sorting of correct product; 2. Dimension checking while conveyed; 3. Counting; 4. Jam detection of the conveyor. The applications can be increased by just changing the PLC programs.

Salient features:

Use of Laser diode and fiber optic cables. Since fiber optic cables used as light carrier, the important electronics and electrical circuitry can be placed in remote locations, thus, avoids the hazard of damaging near the workplace (in our set-up, the conveyor). Indigenous and economic.

Prospective Users: Packaging and assembly unit, Machining and Metrology

Keywords: Laser, Diode, Fiber Optic Sensor, Intelligent Conveyor System

Type of Technology: Device

Glossary: Diode : Light Source; Laser : Type of light emitted by the diode; Fiber optic : Light Carrier; PLC : Programming Logic Controller used for Industrial automation

Developed by : Dr. K S Saha/ Dr. R M Shenoy
Department: Mechanical Engineering/ Physics

Contact:

Managing Director
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel : 91-011-26597167, 26857762, 26581013, 26597153
Fax : 91-011-26851169
E-mail : drkdpn@gmail.com