Item Carousel Automated Bagging Section Identification and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sorting of items in bagging processes is inconsistent and inefficient, as it relies on human intervention and lacks real-time accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An item carousel system that automatically identifies the appropriate bagging section for scanned items based on item characteristics and user preferences, using a motorized actuator to rotate the carousel and visual indicators to orient the selected section towards the bagging area, ensuring accurate and efficient bagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual sorting is used to identify bagging sections, then system complexity is reduced, but sorting consistency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated system using scanners, processors, and motorized actuators. The terminal scans item identifiers, processes data through a processor, and automatically rotates the carousel to position the correct bagging section, eliminating human intervention and ensuring consistent, accurate sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the terminal autonomously identifies items, determines appropriate bagging sections based on item characteristics, and positions sections without human assistance. The automated carousel rotation and visual indicators allow the system to serve itself in the bagging process.
2Device complexity
If manual sorting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manual sorting operations are replaced with automated scanning and motorized carousel rotation. The scanner rapidly reads item identifiers, the processor quickly determines bagging sections, and the motorized actuator positions sections automatically, dramatically increasing processing speed compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning bagging sections on the carousel and pre-identifying appropriate sections based on item characteristics before items need to be bagged. This preparation enables rapid processing without delays during the actual bagging operation.
3Measurement precision
If automated carousel rotation is implemented, then bagging accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual section identification is replaced with automated scanning, processing, and motorized rotation control. The scanner captures item data, the processor determines correct bagging sections with high accuracy, and the motorized actuator precisely positions sections, achieving superior accuracy compared to manual methods despite increased automation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual indicators that provide feedback to confirm correct bagging section positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate item-to-section matching and allows the system to verify proper operation, maintaining high bagging accuracy.
4Reliability
If visual indicators are added to identify bagging sections, then sorting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators use color changes or light emission to identify active bagging sections. The indicators illuminate or change color to signal which section should receive scanned items, providing clear visual confirmation that enhances sorting reliability and eliminates ambiguity in section identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators serve as an intermediary between the automated control system and the bagging operator. They translate electronic control signals into visible cues that guide item placement, bridging the gap between automated identification and manual bagging actions.
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
The system provides a precise and efficient bagging process by dynamically identifying the correct bagging section and orienting it in real-time, reducing human error and increasing processing speed.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized actuator configured to actuate rotation of the carousel relative to the terminal
Implementation Method 2
one or more visual indicators configured to identify the one bagging section... each include a light emitting diode disposed above the carousel and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the identified one bagging section
Data Source
AI summary
An example item carousel system is described. The system includes a terminal including a processor and a scanner. The system includes a carousel rotatably mounted to the terminal, the carousel including two or more bagging sections configured to receive bags. The system includes a motorized actuator configured to actuate rotation of the carousel relative to the terminal. The terminal is configured to read data from a machine readable identifier associated with an item using the scanner, and retrieve, using a retrieval module, item characteristics associated with the item from an item database. The terminal is configured to identify one bagging section of the two or more bagging sections of the carousel capable of receiving the item with the item characteristics, and mechanically rotate the carousel relative to the terminal with the motorized actuator such that the identified one bagging section is oriented toward a bagging area of the terminal.