Carousel Changer Annular Rib Asymmetry for Tray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carousel changers face challenges in accurately determining the position of optical disks due to limitations in the width and strength of raised portions on the annular rib, which can lead to mistaken identification of tray numbers and stopping positions, and require multiple sensors, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A carousel changer with an annular rib that includes recessed and raised portions with specific width ratios, allowing the controller to accurately identify tray positions by comparing the widths of adjacent recessed and raised portions, and using a single sensor to enhance strength and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the width of raised portions on the annular rib is increased to improve tray number identification accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the rib structure becomes weaker and more prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the width of recessed portions different from the width of raised portions on the annular rib. Specifically, the recessed portions are made wider than the raised portions, creating an asymmetric pattern that enables reliable detection while maintaining structural strength. This asymmetric design allows the sensor to distinguish between recessed and raised portions based on width differences, solving the contradiction between identification accuracy and structural strength.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to improve tray position detection reliability, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the annular rib structure to inherently provide its own identification features through the asymmetric width pattern of recessed and raised portions. The single sensor can reliably detect tray positions by itself, without needing additional sensors, because the rib's geometric features are sufficiently distinctive. This eliminates the need for multiple sensors while maintaining detection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the width of recessed portions is decreased to allow more raised portions for higher tray numbers, then adaptability improves, but the rib structure becomes weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing an asymmetric width relationship where recessed portions are wider than raised portions. This allows the rib to accommodate multiple trays while maintaining structural integrity, as the wider recessed portions provide structural support while the narrower raised portions provide sufficient detection features for tray number identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A turntable provided in the carousel changer has a plurality of trays provided around its rotating shaft. The turntable is provided with an annular rib including a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of raised portions. A sensor is provided to have the rib passed therethrough and detects recessed portions and raised portions in the rib as the turntable is driven by a motor to rotate. The controller receives a detection result by the sensor and controls the motor based on the ratio of the widths of a raised portion and a recessed portion adjacent to each other in the rib. Therefore, this carousel changer can accurately stop a tray carrying an optical disk desired to be reproduced in a prescribed position.