Encoder Signal Multiplication for Variable Print Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial marking and coding equipment requires time-consuming and skilled operator intervention to adjust print resolution due to limited mechanical adjustments in sensors, making it inefficient for varying product requirements and line changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that electronically alter the speed signal from a moving line to generate a print command signal, allowing for quick adjustment of print resolution by multiplying or dividing the pulse train, with settings stored in memory for efficient job changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical adjustment of sensor is used to match print resolution to pulse count, then print resolution accuracy is improved, but setup time and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment of the sensor with electronic modification of the speed signal. Instead of physically adjusting the sensor to match print resolution requirements, the system electronically alters the frequency of the speed signal to correspond with the desired print resolution. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical tuning while maintaining precise resolution matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the speed signal electronically to match different print resolution requirements. By modifying the frequency of the speed signal rather than the physical sensor configuration, the system can quickly adapt to different resolution needs without mechanical intervention, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical adjustment of sensor is used to match print resolution, then print resolution accuracy is improved, but operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for skilled mechanical adjustment with electronic signal processing. The electronic modification of speed signal frequency can be performed through software or automated control systems, reducing the dependency on operator expertise in mechanical tuning while maintaining accurate print resolution matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically determine the appropriate speed signal frequency based on the desired print resolution without requiring operator intervention. The electronic modification process can be self-configuring or automated, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform complex mechanical adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotary sensor substitution is used to change pulse count, then print resolution flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need to physically substitute rotary sensors with different pulse counts with electronic modification of the speed signal frequency. This approach maintains the same physical sensor while achieving different resolution flexibilities through signal processing, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The same rotary sensor can serve multiple functions for different print resolutions by electronically modifying its output signal frequency. Instead of requiring multiple sensors for different resolutions, a single sensor becomes universal through electronic signal alteration, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a marking and/or coding apparatus which allows print resolution to be adjusted by multiplying or dividing encoder inputs generated from a conveyor on which goods to be coded or marked are transported to a marking station.