Marking Head Sub-Array Segmentation for Variable Object Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking and scanning heads face limitations in flexibility and efficiency, particularly when dealing with objects of varying sizes or orientations, as they often require either inactive devices or increased risk of driving mechanism failure due to two-dimensional movement paths.
Innovation Solution
A marking and scanning head with sub-arrays that are movable and rotatable relative to each other, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation to enhance flexibility and resolution, including the use of multiple heads that can be positioned and rotated to accommodate different object surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a page-wide marking head with a plurality of marking devices arranged in a line array is used, then the marking speed is improved, but the flexibility to handle objects of varying sizes is worsened because a part of the marking devices will be inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The marking head is divided into multiple sub-arrays of marking devices that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary subset of marking devices for objects of varying sizes, maintaining high marking speed while improving flexibility and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a marking head is adapted to move line by line over an object to be marked, then the flexibility to handle objects of varying sizes is improved, but the risk of failure of the driving mechanism is higher due to two-dimensional movement path
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the marking head into multiple sub-arrays, the system can maintain a simplified one-dimensional movement approach while achieving flexibility through selective activation and positioning of sub-arrays, thereby reducing the complexity and failure risk of the driving mechanism compared to two-dimensional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-arrays are made movable and/or rotatable relative to each other, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the marking head to accommodate different object sizes and orientations. This dynamic capability provides flexibility without requiring complex two-dimensional movement of the entire marking head, thus improving reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple marking devices are arranged in a fixed pattern, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different object surfaces and orientations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The marking head is segmented into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity through standardized sub-array modules while achieving high adaptability to different object surfaces and orientations through flexible arrangement and positioning of the sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-arrays are designed to be movable and/or rotatable relative to each other, enabling dynamic adaptation to different object surfaces and orientations. This dynamic capability is achieved while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular sub-array designs that can be standardized and easily assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a marking and/or scanning head comprising a plurality of receiving spaces in which individual marking and/or sensing devices can be arranged for marking and/or scanning an object, wherein the receiving spaces are arranged in at least two sub-arrays, wherein at least one sub-array is movable and/or rotatable with regard to at least one other sub-array. The invention further relates to a marking and/or scanning apparatus and a method for operating a marking and/or scanning head or apparatus.