Analyzer Bar Code Reader Angles for Dual-Row Container Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analyzers face challenges in reliably and easily reading bar codes on containers arranged in multiple rows due to limitations in the orientation and positioning of bar code readers relative to the containers.
Innovation Solution
The analyzer features a first and second rotational support system around a rotation center, with a bar code reader positioned to emit an emission line differently from the radially inward direction, allowing for optical reading of bar codes on both rows through strategically placed gaps, and setting distinct angles between the normal line direction of each container surface and the radially outward direction to facilitate accurate reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bar code reader is positioned radially outward to read bar codes on containers in the second row, then the bar codes of the second row containers can be read, but the bar codes of the first row containers cannot be read through the same reader position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reading dimension by positioning the bar code reader on the opposite side of the containers rather than radially outward. The reader emits light at an angle different from the radial direction, allowing bar codes on both the first row (inner containers) and second row (outer containers) to be read from a single position, thus resolving the contradiction between reading accuracy and reading versatility.
2Device complexity
If the bar code reader is positioned to read through gaps between containers, then the structure is simplified, but the reading reliability is reduced due to dependency on gap positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different angles between the normal lines of the bar code surfaces and the radially outward direction for the first and second rows of containers. This angular differentiation ensures that both rows present their bar codes at optimal angles to the reader positioned on the opposite side, improving reading reliability without requiring complex gap-based positioning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the bar codes are provided on surfaces tilted at a predetermined angle, then the reading angle is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity of container positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by configuring the first and second rows of containers with different angular orientations relative to the radially outward direction. Specifically, the angle between the normal line of the first row container surfaces and the radially outward direction is set differently from the angle between the normal line of the second row container surfaces and the radially outward direction. This asymmetric configuration optimizes bar code reading angles for both rows simultaneously when the reader is positioned on the opposite side, achieving measurement precision without requiring complex individual container tilting mechanisms.
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
This configuration enables more reliable and accurate reading of bar codes on both the first and second rows of containers, improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of the analyzer's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a reader provided on an opposite side from the first containers with respect to the second containers, configured to emit an emission line in a given direction different from a radially inward direction with respect to the rotation center and optically read a first reading target applied to a first surface of each of the first containers
Data Source
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AI summary
An analyzer (1) is provided, which includes a first rotational support (33A) configured to support first containers (34A), a second rotational support (33B) configured to support second containers (34B), and a reader (50) configured to emit an emission line in a given direction different from a radially inward direction with respect to a rotation center (Ax2) of the first and second rotational supports (33A, 33B) and optically read first and second reading targets applied to first and second surfaces (34c) of the first and second containers (34A), respectively. A first angle (β1) between a first normal line direction (N1) of the first surface (34c) and a radially outward direction (RD) is set to be different from a second angle (β2) between a second normal line direction (N2) of the second surface (34c) and the radially outward direction (RD).