Conveyorized Object Dimensioning System With Multi-Row Light Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyorized dimensioning systems lack the capability to provide precise and accurate measurements of objects with varying dimensions, particularly small and irregularly shaped items, and require excessive spacing between objects on a conveyor belt, leading to inefficiencies in determining dimensions and spatial volume for shipping and packaging purposes.
Innovation Solution
A conveyorized dimensioning system employing a conveyor drive assembly with multi-row arrays of light emitter/receiver pairs and a swinging gate mechanism that uses strobing emitters to prevent false readings, allowing for precise measurement of objects by passing light curtains over and under objects on a platform, enabling accurate determination of dimensions and spatial volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-row light emitter/receiver arrays are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row linear array to a multi-row two-dimensional array of light emitters and receivers. This dimensional expansion allows for finer spatial resolution in measuring object dimensions, as multiple rows provide overlapping measurement zones and enable more precise determination of object boundaries through triangulation and pattern recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The light array is segmented into multiple independent rows, each capable of providing measurement data. This segmentation allows the system to process measurements from different rows simultaneously, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If objects are placed close together on the conveyor, then productivity increases, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to interference between adjacent objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic strobing of light emitters in a sequential pattern across multiple rows. This periodic activation creates time-separated measurement windows for adjacent objects, allowing the system to distinguish between objects that are physically close in space by assigning them different temporal measurement windows, thus preventing measurement interference while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-row array configuration acts as an intermediary that provides spatial separation between measurement zones for adjacent objects. Even when objects are closely spaced, the multiple rows create distinct measurement paths that reduce cross-contamination of measurement data between neighboring objects.
3Reliability
If strobing pattern is applied to emitter arrays, then measurement reliability improves by avoiding false readings, but use of energy increases due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The strobing implementation uses simple periodic on/off cycling of emitter rows rather than complex modulation patterns. Each row is activated in sequence with basic timing control, which achieves the goal of preventing false readings through temporal separation while minimizing energy consumption through straightforward binary control states.
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
The system achieves precise and efficient measurement of objects with improved resolution and reduced spacing requirements, enabling accurate determination of dimensions and spatial volume for diverse objects, including small and irregularly shaped items, enhancing throughput and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyorized dimensioning system employing a conveyor drive assembly configured to prevent transition rocking and bouncing of objects passing from a feed conveyor across a gap through a frame bearing multi-row arrays of light emitter/receiver pairs
Implementation Method 2
to operate using a method of strobing emitters of an array of emitter/receiver pairs comprising offset rows in a pattern to avoid artifact in the form of false reception reading by receivers in close proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the object(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate. A conveyorized dimensioning system employing multi-row sensor arrays is also disclosed.