Conveyor Belt Non-Repeating Stripe Pattern for Asset Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated handling systems for packages on conveyor belts face inefficiencies due to improper placement of packages, material differences in packaging that affect measurement accuracy, and cumbersome methods for tracking asset locations during sorting.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a conveyor belt with a non-repeating pattern of colored stripes to associate each package with a unique set of stripes, allowing augmented reality scanners to guide sort employees to the correct sort location without the need for separate scanning of each package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packages are manually sorted with employees individually scanning indicia on each asset and sort location, then accurate tracking of asset locations is achieved, but sorting efficiency is significantly reduced and employee error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification of the asset and sort location into a single indicium displayed on the conveyor belt. Instead of requiring separate scanning of asset indicia and sort location indicia, the system combines these functions into one visual indicator that shows both the destination and provides confirmation when the asset is placed there, eliminating redundant scanning actions
Solution Approach 2:
The indicium on the conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it identifies the sort location, guides employees to the correct destination, and provides confirmation that the asset has been properly sorted. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate identification systems that would otherwise be needed
2Reliability
If employees manually identify and scan sort location indicia for each asset, then accurate asset location records are maintained, but the complexity of the sorting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-verification through the visual indicium on the conveyor belt. When an employee places an asset at the indicated location, the indicium provides immediate visual confirmation that the sorting action is correct, eliminating the need for complex verification procedures or multiple scanning steps while maintaining high accuracy
3Productivity
If packages are placed closely together on the conveyor belt to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but congestion arises that impacts measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt uses colored stripes and visual indicators that remain clearly distinguishable even when packages are placed closely together. The high-contrast visual patterns on the belt provide clear reference points for both asset identification and measurement systems, maintaining measurement precision despite increased package density
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for associating an asset with a sort location, the system comprising a conveyor belt assembly and a user device configured to be worn by a user. The conveyor belt assembly comprises: an acquisition device and a plurality of stripes defining a non-repeating pattern, the plurality of stripes comprising a plurality of unique sets of stripes. The acquisition device is configured to capture image data comprising asset identifier data and conveyor mechanism data, the conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes. The user device is configured to capture conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes; remotely receive asset identifier data associated with the user device captured conveyor mechanism data; and generate and display to the user, relative to the asset, at least one visual indicator of one or more sort instructions for the asset.