3D Imaging System for Automated Replacement Part Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for replacing parts in mechanical and electrical equipment are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring manual identification and search through multiple supplier catalogs, especially when serial numbers are illegible or worn out.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures 3-dimensional images of replacement parts using a rotating imaging device, coupled with a computing device to extract features and compare them with a database, facilitating automated identification and selection of matching parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual identification and search through supplier catalogs is used, then flexibility in part selection is maintained, but time consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated imaging system. A camera captures images of the replacement part, and image processing algorithms automatically extract features and identify the part, substituting human visual inspection and manual catalog searching with automated optical and computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service identification where the replacement part itself provides its identification information through its visual features. The imaging system captures images of the part, and the processing system automatically extracts identifying characteristics without requiring external documentation or manual input, allowing the part to 'identify itself' through its visual properties.
2Reliability
If serial numbers are used for identification, then part identification is straightforward, but serial numbers are often illegible or worn out
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on physical serial numbers that may be worn or illegible, the system creates visual copies (images) of the replacement part. These images capture the part's physical features and characteristics, serving as a reliable record that can be processed digitally to identify the part without depending on the legibility of any physical markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on a single identification parameter (serial number legibility) to multiple identification parameters including shape, size, color, texture, and other visual features. This parameter diversification ensures that even if one identification method fails (illegible serial number), other features can still reliably identify the part.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supplier catalogs are searched, then comprehensive part selection is achieved, but search time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and storing images of replacement parts along with their identifying features and supplier information. When a new part needs identification, the system can quickly compare it against the pre-processed database without needing to perform full catalog searches, thus maintaining comprehensive part selection while significantly reducing search time.
4Productivity
If automated imaging system is implemented, then identification speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images, extracting features, comparing parts, and identifying replacements. By making the system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each task, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity in part identification.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system includes a base, an imaging assembly, and a holder assembly. The imaging assembly includes a first arm including a first arm first portion and a first arm second portion distal from the first arm first portion and a second arm including a second arm first portion and a second arm second portion distal from the second arm first portion. The first arm is pivotally mounted on the base and the second arm is pivotally mounted on the first arm second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the second arm second portion. The holder assembly includes a base mount mounted on a platform. A strut is coupled to the base mount, and a gripper is coupled to the strut. The gripper is configured to grip and position a part in line of sight of the imaging device.