Conveyor Speed Control for Object Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring properties of moving objects in the woodworking sector require objects to slow down or stop near the measuring station, increasing travel time and reducing productivity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple conveyors with varying speeds, including an accelerator conveyor to speed up objects and a slower conveyor to bring them to a precise stop in front of the measuring station, allowing for measurement without altering the object's travel time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If objects are slowed or stopped near the measuring station for precise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts conveyor belt speeds to match the measurement requirements. The first conveyor belt operates at a first speed during normal transport, then switches to a second (slower) speed when an object reaches the measuring station, allowing precise measurement without permanent speed reduction. After measurement, the conveyor returns to the first speed, maintaining overall productivity.
2Measurement precision
If objects are slowed or stopped for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system dynamically changes speed based on the object's position. When the object is far from the measuring station, the conveyor runs at high speed. When the object approaches the station, the conveyor automatically reduces speed to allow precise measurement, then resumes high speed afterward. This dynamic adjustment minimizes the time lost to measurement.
3Measurement precision
If conveyor speed is reduced for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of objects machined per unit time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic speed control where the conveyor belt temporarily reduces speed only when an object is at the measuring station for measurement. Once measurement is complete, the conveyor immediately returns to its original higher speed. This temporary, localized speed reduction allows precise measurement while maintaining high overall throughput and the number of objects processed per unit time.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring the properties of moving objects includes a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of an object (100) and a first conveyor (2) for transferring the object (100) towards the measuring station (5). The device (1) includes accelerator means (6) for accelerating the object (100), acting on the object and positioned upstream of the measuring station (5) and slowing means (7) for slowing or stopping the object (100), acting on the object and positioned at the measuring station (5). A method for measuring the properties of moving objects includes the steps of: transporting an object (100) along a first conveyor (2) having a predetermined feed speed (T1); accelerating the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (T1) then slowing the object (100) relative to the first conveyor (2) feed speed (T1) at least at a station (5) for measuring predetermined properties of the object (100).