Component Container Position Detection With Feedback Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for arranging assembly containers in manufacturing, such as those for vehicles, often result in errors due to incorrect positioning, leading to inefficient workflows and additional logistical steps like rotating the containers, which increase time and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device with a storage surface and a control device equipped with a light barrier and signal reproduction unit, allowing for error-free arrangement of assembly containers by providing perceptible feedback through light, acoustic, or vibration signals when the container is correctly positioned, and enabling mobile operation without external energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If camera-based stationary systems are used for error detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex camera-based optical measurement systems with a simple magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnet on the container relative to the target position, providing sufficient measurement precision without the complexity of image processing algorithms and stationary camera systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates an integrated power supply unit that provides electrical energy independently, enabling the device to be mobile and self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If camera-based stationary systems are used for error detection, then measurement precision is improved, but mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex camera-based optical measurement systems with a simple magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnet on the container relative to the target position, providing sufficient measurement precision without the complexity of image processing algorithms and stationary camera systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates an integrated power supply unit that provides electrical energy independently, enabling the device to be mobile and self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If additional logistical steps like rotating containers are performed, then assembly sequence accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly sequence accuracyVSAvoidworkflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides immediate feedback through a signal reproduction unit when the container is correctly positioned, allowing operators to quickly verify proper placement without time-consuming rotation or repositioning steps. The feedback mechanism ensures assembly sequence accuracy while maintaining workflow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Power

If external power sources are required, then device functionality is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidmobility and independence
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an integrated power supply unit that provides electrical energy independently, enabling the device to be mobile and self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures accurate and efficient assembly container arrangement, reducing errors and logistical steps, while allowing for mobile use without external power, thus enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing assembly time.

Implementation Method 1

control device for recognizing a predetermined target position of at least one component container positioned on the storage surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption/interruption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a reflector for reflecting a light beam is arranged on a pick-and-place container such that a light beam from the photoelectric sensor is reflected when the pick-and-place container is positioned in the predetermined target position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3378603B1Device for error-free arrangement of a feeding container
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 RUDOLPH LOGISTIK GRUPPE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3378603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device with which a component container (16) can be arranged without errors for placement with components. The ability to arrange the component container (16) without errors prevents placement errors and makes the workflow more efficient. The device according to the invention for the error-free arrangement of a component container (16) has at least one storage surface (3; 4) on which at least one component container (16) can be positioned in a predetermined position for placement, and a control device (8) for detecting a predetermined position of at least one component container (16) positioned on the storage surface (3; 4). The control device (8) includes a signal output unit (7) with which a user-perceived signal can be reproduced when the predetermined position of the at least one component container (16) is detected.