Egg Laser Marking Sensor Layout for Carton Position Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking systems for eggs face challenges in accurately positioning the laser sensor due to variations in egg carton geometry, leading to inconsistent marking and potential blockages by foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a conveyor assembly with a laser distance sensor and an inductive proximity sensor to accurately detect and position eggs, ensuring the laser sensor reads from the top down and differentiates between the conveyor surface and the egg surface, thereby preventing marking errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser marking is performed on eggs during conveyor transport, then productivity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to egg carton geometry variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual position of eggs on the conveyor and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts the laser marking position in real-time to compensate for geometry variations in egg cartons
Solution Approach 2:
The marking system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, adjusting marking parameters and position based on real-time detection of egg carton variations, rather than using fixed positioning
2Measurement precision
If laser sensor reads from top down to differentiate conveyor surface and egg surface, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser distance sensor is positioned to read from the top down, creating a localized measurement zone that naturally differentiates between the conveyor surface and egg surface based on height variation, eliminating the need for complex multi-sensor configurations
3Reliability
If foreign object detection is implemented to prevent marking errors, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional detection time
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive proximity sensor performs foreign object detection in advance before the laser marking operation, allowing the system to prevent marking errors without adding significant time to the marking process itself
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 ensures precise and consistent laser marking of eggs by accurately positioning the eggs on the conveyor line and preventing marking when foreign objects are detected, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the egg marking process.
Implementation Method 1
A laser distance sensor is configured to detect the one or more items by taking a distance measurement from and differentiating between a low surface and a high surface
Implementation Method 2
an inductive proximity sensor to accurately detect and position eggs
Implementation Method 3
marking the one or more items stored in the container by the focused laser beam
Implementation Method 4
applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg to cause discoloration of the eggshell
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable medium configured to store instructions for marking one or more items by an object marking system having a conveyor assembly, a laser etching unit, a laser distance sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, and a controller, the instructions comprising delivering, via the conveyor assembly, a container having the one or more items stored therein, the conveyor assembly having a conveyor line and a conveyor drive, the conveyor line including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining a marking position of the one or more items; receiving the container on the second portion of the conveyor line; detecting, via the laser distance sensor, the one or more items by measuring a distance from and differentiating between a low surface and a high surface.