Glove-Integrated Wireless Barcode Scanner for Assembly Line Part Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing environments, particularly on assembly lines, operators face challenges in quickly and accurately identifying and selecting the correct parts due to similarities in part features, leading to delays and additional costs when incorrect parts are installed, as visual identification is often relied upon in a two-step process.
Innovation Solution
A wireless barcode processing device is integrated into a glove, allowing operators to scan barcodes on parts using a scanner, with a processor for data processing and comparison, and an indicator for real-time notifications, enabling immediate matching or non-matching alerts to ensure correct part selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual identification is used to identify parts, then the operator can select parts based on appearance, but errors occur due to similar part features leading to incorrect selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual identification process with an automated optical scanning system. The barcode scanner automatically reads and compares part identifiers, eliminating human visual errors caused by similar part appearances. This substitution of mechanical/optical automation for manual visual inspection directly resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through audible and visual signals indicating whether the scanned part matches the required part. This real-time feedback mechanism allows operators to instantly verify correct part selection, preventing errors from propagating and enabling immediate correction if mismatches occur.
2Ease of operation
If a two-step visual identification process is used, then parts can be identified and selected, but time is lost due to the multi-step process and potential corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading the required part identifier into the scanner before the operator begins searching for parts. This allows the scanning and comparison process to be completed in a single pass, eliminating the need for a second verification step and reducing total identification time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the manual two-step visual identification process with automated barcode scanning and comparison, the system consolidates multiple manual steps into a single automated operation. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with manual verification and potential rework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual part selection is used, then operators have flexibility in choosing parts, but errors lead to delays and additional costs when incorrect parts are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The immediate feedback system provides real-time verification of part correctness, allowing operators to maintain flexibility in part selection while ensuring accuracy. The audible and visual signals guide operators to the correct parts without restricting their ability to search through available inventory, thus maintaining adaptability while preventing productivity losses from errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode scanning system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the part selection process. It provides the flexibility of manual searching while incorporating automated verification, serving as a mediator that combines the benefits of both manual flexibility and automated accuracy to maintain high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless barcode device including a barcode scanner to scan barcode labels and provide raw barcode data signals, a processor to receive and process the raw barcode data signals to provide processed barcode data signals and compare at least two of the processed barcode data signals, an indicator to notify a user of barcode data information based on the receipt of barcode data and comparison performed by the processor, and a housing to contain the barcode scanner, the processor, and the indicator, the housing comprising a first end, an opposing second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the housing configured to couple to a back of a glove.