Conveyor Object Position Detection Using Collimated Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of objects on high-speed conveyor belts, such as in bottling installations, face challenges including misalignments due to irregular bottle heights and conveyor irregularities, which can exceed tolerance limits and complicate accurate robot manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using collimated light beams to detect the position of objects on a conveyor, with pairs of laser photocells and a laser blade sensor to determine offsets in both transverse and vertical directions, allowing for precise correction signals to be sent to a manipulating robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vision system (high-speed camera) is used to detect object position, then position detection capability is provided, but the system complexity increases and response time becomes insufficient for high-speed conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position detection function from complex vision systems and implements it using simple optical sensors (photodetectors) that detect light beam interruptions. This separates the detection function from the complex camera system, achieving the same measurement capability with much simpler devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complex system (camera with illumination and processing) with a simpler optical detection system using light beams and photodetectors. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and response time.
2Measurement precision
If light sources send diverging beams onto the conveyor to detect object position, then position information can be obtained, but parameter adjustment becomes complex for different conveyor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a focused point-like light source instead of diverging beams, creating a localized detection point that remains consistent across different conveyor types. This local quality approach eliminates the need for parameter adjustments because the point source naturally adapts to different positions without requiring beam angle or divergence corrections.
3Productivity
If objects are conveyed at high speed, then productivity increases, but the response time required for position correction becomes more difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs position detection upstream of the manipulation station, allowing sufficient time for processing and correction before the object arrives at the robot station. The light beam detection occurs early in the conveyor sequence, enabling preliminary measurement that drives subsequent position correction in time for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex vision processing with simple light interruption detection, dramatically reducing measurement and processing time. This substitution enables the system to keep up with high-speed conveyors by providing rapid position feedback without the computational delays of camera-based systems.
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 enables accurate and rapid determination of object positions, allowing for precise correction of offsets within tight tolerance ranges, thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of robot operations in high-speed production environments.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the objects on a supporting plane, in particular in transverse direction to the advance direction, is determined by detecting the passage of the objects through a first and a second light beam crossing each other
Implementation Method 2
A source of a first and a second collimated light beam, which generate beams with substantially point-like cross-sectional size, which propagate along paths defining a plane parallel to a plane supporting the objects
Implementation Method 3
A unit for the separate detection of the first and the second beam; and a unit for detecting and correcting a possible offset
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for determining the position of objects (2) advancing in line on a supporting plane belonging to a transport line (1). The apparatus includes, for determining the position of an object (2) on the supporting plane, sources (22A, 23A) of a first and a second light beam (220, 230) generating collimated beams (220, 230) with substantial point-like cross-sectional size, which propagate along paths defining a plane parallel to the supporting plane and forming acute angles with the advance direction (F), and detectors (22B, 23B) for the separate detection of the first and the second beam (220, 230). A processing unit (12) includes means for comparing the instants at which an object passes through each beam (220, 230) and for detecting, based on the comparison result, a possible offset of the position of the object (2) from a reference position.