Laser Egg Marking with Distance Sensing for Carton Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking systems for eggs face challenges in accurately positioning the laser sensors due to issues with carton deformation, leading to incomplete or missed markings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a conveyor assembly with a laser etching unit, laser distance sensor, inductive proximity sensor, and controller to differentiate between conveyor and item surfaces, ensuring precise laser marking by detecting the correct positioning of eggs on the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser marking is applied to eggs on conveyor, then marking efficiency is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to carton deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of egg position and conveyor surface characteristics using laser distance sensors before the marking operation. This allows the control system to pre-calculate and adjust the laser positioning parameters, compensating for carton deformation and ensuring accurate marking despite the moving target
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses laser distance sensors to continuously monitor the position of eggs on the conveyor and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of laser positioning, maintaining marking accuracy even when carton deformation occurs during transport
2Manufacturing precision
If sensor differentiation between conveyor and item surfaces is implemented, then marking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces laser distance sensors as intermediary detection devices that measure the distance to both the conveyor surface and the egg surface. By comparing these measurements, the system can differentiate between the two surfaces and accurately determine egg position without requiring complex direct contact sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and detection mechanisms with optical laser distance sensing. The laser sensors non-contactly measure surface positions and the control system processes this data to achieve accurate marking, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
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
Ensures accurate and efficient laser marking of eggs by differentiating between conveyor and egg surfaces, preventing missed markings and improving system adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser etching unit disposed above at least the second portion of the conveyor line and having a laser engine unit and a scan head assembly communicatively connected to the laser engine unit
Implementation Method 2
applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking
Implementation Method 3
a laser distance sensor configured to detect the one or more items by taking a distance measurement from... the surface of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A laser etching system for marking one or more objects stored in a container includes a conveyor line and a conveyor drive. A laser etching unit is disposed above at least the second portion of the conveyor line and has a laser engine unit and a scan head assembly communicatively connected to the laser engine unit. A laser distance sensor is configured to detect an open container having one or more objects stored therein by taking a distance measurement from and differentiating between a low surface and a high surface, wherein the low surface corresponds to a conveyor surface of the second portion that is positioned directly underneath the laser distance sensor.