Acoustic Detection Device for Conveyor Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object identification systems in conveyor facilities require separate light barriers for each detection device, leading to increased installation and maintenance efforts, as well as reduced lifespan and energy efficiency of the detection devices.
Innovation Solution
A detection device equipped with at least one microphone that initiates the identification process of an object only when it is detected acoustically during transport, eliminating the need for light barriers and allowing for more efficient and reliable object identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light barrier is used to detect the object, then the object can be detected in time for identification, but additional installation effort and maintenance effort increase due to separate light barrier and identification unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function and identification function into a single integrated detection device. The housing contains both the identification unit and the acoustic detection components (microphone array, sound source), eliminating the need for a separate light barrier system. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be installed and maintained separately while maintaining reliable object detection through acoustic means.
2Productivity
If the identification unit operates continuously, then the object can be identified without delay, but the service life of the detection device decreases due to increased defect risk
Solution Approach 1:
The identification unit operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated only when the acoustic detection system detects an object within the detection area, and remains inactive otherwise. This periodic operation reduces the cumulative operating time of the identification unit, thereby extending its service life and reducing defect risk while ensuring timely identification when objects are present.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the identification unit is activated only when object is in vicinity, then service life increases, but object identification may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic detection system (microphone array with sound source) operates continuously or in advance to detect the presence of objects in the detection area before the identification unit is activated. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for identification in advance, so when an object enters the identification zone, the identification unit can be activated immediately without delay, while still maintaining extended service life through selective activation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution simplifies the installation and maintenance of object identification systems, extends the lifespan of detection devices, and reduces energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary activation of identification units.
Implementation Method 1
detection device according to the invention is designed to detect the presence of the object in a timely manner... without the need for a light barrier. Detection can occur in such a timely manner that the identification process can be initiated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detection device, in particular a code reader, with an identification unit for identifying an object transported by a conveying device, in particular a continuous conveyor, and further in particular a roller conveyor, characterized in that the detection device has at least a first microphone and is designed to acoustically detect the object, in particular during transport, by means of at least the first microphone, and to initiate an identification process of the object by means of the identification unit only when the object is detected.