Automated Article Singulator with Direction Changing Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Logistics centers face inefficiencies in article processing due to the need for manual handling and lack of automation in arranging articles for separation, requiring significant manpower and time, especially when articles are randomly poured onto a conveyor belt.
Innovation Solution
An automated singulator system that incorporates software technology to measure article positions and postures, use direction-changing apparatuses to rearrange articles, and control transfer speeds, enabling intelligent and efficient arrangement of articles into rows and final discharge order, even when articles are randomly supplied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling is used to arrange articles on conveyor belt, then articles can be placed one at a time, but significant manpower and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated system comprising image capturing units, image recognition units, and controllable transfer apparatus. The system captures images of articles, recognizes their positions and orientations, and automatically adjusts transfer speeds and directions to arrange articles in sequence, eliminating the need for manual placement while maintaining processing efficiency.
2Speed
If articles are randomly poured onto conveyor belt, then processing speed can be increased, but articles cannot be arranged properly without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs image capturing units to continuously monitor article positions and orientations on the conveyor belt. The image recognition unit processes this visual feedback data, and the control unit adjusts transfer speeds and direction changes in real-time based on the recognized article states, enabling proper arrangement even when articles are randomly poured at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer apparatus dynamically adjusts its operation by varying transfer speeds at different sections and making directional changes based on real-time article positions. This dynamic control allows the system to handle randomly poured articles effectively, arranging them in proper sequence without reducing processing speed.
3Extent of automation
If automated singulator system is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but space requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified automated platform: image capturing, image recognition, transfer speed control, and direction changing all occur within the same conveyor belt system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual handling areas and minimizes overall space occupation while achieving high automation.
4Ease of operation
If direction changing apparatuses are used to arrange articles, then article flow can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transfer speed control and direction changing functions into an integrated system controlled by a single control unit. The direction changing apparatuses are merged with the transfer apparatus, allowing coordinated control of article flow through unified software management rather than separate independent systems, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclose herein are an automated article singulator and a method thereof. The singulator according to one embodiment includes a measuring unit configured to measure positions and postures of articles being transferred, an arranging unit configured to receive randomly supplied articles, transfer the articles using a transfer apparatus, and change moving directions of the articles using a plurality of direction changing apparatuses, and a control unit configured to control the direction changing apparatuses one at a time or in groups to arrange flows of the articles according to information measured by the measuring unit.