Lowers the cost of hi-bay safety
October 1st 2008

Protection against accidental push-through of pallets in high-bay warehouse racking configurations is generally provided by mechanical systems. However, with its ODS 96B optical distance sensors, Leuze electronic offers a practical, economical alternative.

Whilst care may be taken in the design and installation of a mechanical safeguard, the impact generated by dynamic loading exerts a negative influence on the rack system itself. This can be prevented by providing a 'compartment occupied' check, using a sensor system to monitor whether storage surfaces really are unoccupied, so preventing pallets already in place from being pushed backwards and dropping out of the rack. Additional problems can be created by pallets which are skewed or offset.

Part of a new generation of sensors developed by Leuze electronic, the ODS 96B optical distance sensor is designed to carry out continuous distance measurements, dynamic product measurement and position controls. With a measurement range of 60 to 2000mm it is suited to performing compartment occupied checks, and as an additional feature the switching function can also be used to provide a pushthrough safeguard.

Thanks to measurement times of just 2ms, ODS 96B photoelectric sensors are able to detect dynamic processes up to five times faster than comparable products. This makes it suitable for use where highspeed sequences take place, typified by automated hi-bay warehousing, where there are fast load change cycles.

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