Touch-free opto sensors prepare for post-Covid-19 operations
Distributor, Anglia offers Omron touch sensors, all of which can be integrated into designs to reduce the need for contact and shared surfaces as facilities adapt to corona virus counter measures. The Omron B5W LCR sensors, W7ED capacitive touch sensors, and D6T non-contact temperature sensors enable future automated devices to improve safety and help prevent the spread of disease.
David Pearson, technical director at Anglia Components, commented, “With social distancing set to become a new norm, there are opportunities for sensing technologies to provide extra protection. Anglia [field application engineers] FAEs are fully trained to support this portfolio of Omron solutions which draws on the company’s expertise in presence, proximity and touch sensing”. Typical applications are security and energy management, but the sensors can also be used to detect raised body surface temperature which can identify and monitor people in the workplace and in public areas.
Omron’s B5W light convergent reflective sensors have a wide sensing range to allow object shifting and are particularly well suited to detecting challenging objects such as those that are reflective, transparent, or diffuse, says Anglia. Photo sensors are widely used to automate equipment such as door openers, hand sanitiser dispensers, bathroom taps and toilet flushers. Contactless operation in such high-traffic applications is effective in reducing the spread of germs.
Another product is the Omron W7ED capacitive touch sensors. Unlike others which are available, these do not have require a complex set up but can be fastened to the touch electrode with a screw. Anglia adds that the touch sensors combine the simplicity of a mechanical switch with the advantages of touch control, and enable designers to create aesthetically pleasing products.
They offer protection, even when used with wet hands or when wearing latex gloves. The touch sensors can also replace traditional mechanical switches in lift controls and other communal settings.
Omron’s D6T thermal infra red sensors could be used to check for raised body surface temperature. The compact devices suit embedded applications. In a building’s access control system, for example, they can automatically check the surface temperature of a visitor on arrival for identification, and monitoring of occupants and visitors.
Samples and evaluation tools are available free of charge to registered account customers within Anglia’s EZYsample service. Anglia FAEs are trained to help customers select the right sensors for a project.
