Conveyor Sensor Array for Detecting Object Posture and Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor devices lack the ability to detect various types of information about conveyed objects, such as posture and position, without requiring high-priced and large-scale sensors, and face challenges in securing installation space and adjusting optical axes for reflective photoelectric sensors.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device equipped with a conveyor sensor comprising multiple sensor members arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying path, allowing detection of object posture, position, and dimensions, while being cost-effective and space-efficient by integrating the sensor below the conveyance surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional load presence sensor is used to detect object presence, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor cannot detect information such as object posture inclination and conveyance position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor members (first sensor member and second sensor member) positioned at different locations. Each sensor member independently detects object presence, and their combined information provides comprehensive detection of object posture and position without requiring a single complex sensor system.
2Ease of operation
If a reflective photoelectric sensor is used as load presence sensor, then the sensor can detect object presence, but it is difficult to adjust the optical axis when the sensor is attached onto the side frames
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor members are positioned and configured to automatically detect objects in their respective detection zones without requiring manual optical axis adjustment. The first sensor member detects objects in a first detection zone and the second sensor member detects objects in a second detection zone, with the system self-configuring upon attachment to the side frames.
3Area of stationary object
If the load presence sensor is installed on the side frames, then the sensor can detect object presence, but the installation space on side frames is limited and wide space around the conveyor device cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the sensor members in the horizontal plane on the side frames, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by placing sensor members at different heights (first sensor member at first height, second sensor member at second height). This vertical arrangement frees up horizontal space around the conveyor device while maintaining effective object detection capability.
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
Enables accurate detection of object posture, position, and dimensions, ensuring proper conveyance and reducing the need for additional installation space, with adjustable optical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the conveyor sensor includes a plurality of sensor members 21 each capable of individually detecting presence of the object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a conveyor device and a conveyor sensor capable of detecting various types of information on an object. The conveyor device that conveys the object to a predetermined conveyance place includes a conveyor sensor that detects the information of the object. The conveyor sensor includes a plurality of sensor members, and the plurality of sensor members can individually detect the presence of the object and is arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the object.