Conveyor Component Commissioning via Optical Code Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring conveyor systems, such as elevator systems, are time-consuming, prone to errors, and not robust enough to withstand harsh conditions during manufacturing, transportation, and installation, as they require manual parameter entry and complex data cable connections.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an optically readable code attached to conveyor components that stores or links to necessary parameters, allowing data to be read by a device and transmitted wirelessly or wired to a control unit for automatic storage and verification, enabling faster, more reliable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual parameter entry is used for configuring conveyor systems, then configuration can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying (barcodes, QR codes, data matrices) to capture parameter information from component nameplates and automatically transfer it to the control unit, eliminating manual transcription and significantly improving both configuration speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical reading systems, using cameras or optical sensors to capture and process parameter data, thereby eliminating human error and accelerating the configuration process
2Reliability
If complex data cable connections are used for parameter transfer, then data transmission can be reliable, but the system becomes more complex and less robust to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transfer function from complex physical cable connections and implements it through wireless communication or simplified interfaces, maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing system complexity and improving robustness to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical codes as an intermediary carrier for parameter data, enabling reliable information transfer without requiring direct physical connections between components and the control unit
3Loss of time
If automated optical reading is used for parameter entry, then configuration time is reduced and accuracy improved, but the initial setup requires more sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard optical code technologies (barcodes, QR codes, data matrices) that can be read by common, relatively simple optical devices, achieving automated configuration without requiring highly sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical code standards that can be read by various common devices (smartphones, barcode scanners, cameras), making the system accessible and not requiring specialized expensive equipment
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
This solution simplifies and accelerates the configuration process, reduces errors, and enhances reliability by automating parameter entry and ensuring correct settings, even in harsh conditions, facilitating easier system setup and replacement of control units.
Implementation Method 1
an optically readable code containing one or more parameters of a conveyor component and/or a link to one or more parameters of a conveyor component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A conveyor component, a reader device (111), a conveyor system and a method of commissioning a conveyor system, wherein the conveyor component comprises an optically readable code (106), data of the optically readable code configured to comprise one or more parameters of the conveyor component and/or a link, such as a URL, to the one or more parameters of the conveyor component.