Object Transport Rotation for Barcode Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object transport apparatuses face inefficiencies due to barcode unreadability when barcodes are positioned on the underside of objects, leading to manual refeeding and increased time, labor, and costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that rotate objects with underside-positioned barcodes to reposition them on the top side, enhancing barcode readability and automating the transport process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If objects are transported with barcodes on the underside, then the apparatus can handle various object orientations, but barcode readability decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic rotation mechanism that actively changes the orientation of objects during transport. The rotation unit rotates objects by a predetermined angle to reposition barcodes from the underside to the top side, making the system adaptable to different initial orientations while ensuring optimal barcode reading positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of objects by rotating them. The control unit determines the rotation angle based on the detected barcode position, and the rotation unit executes the rotation to transform the object's orientation from having the barcode on the underside to having it on the top side.
2Productivity
If barcodes are positioned on the underside of objects, then object transport can proceed, but manual refeeding is required when barcodes cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary rotation of objects before they reach the sorting stage. By rotating objects to position barcodes on the top side in advance, the system prevents barcode reading failures that would otherwise require manual refeeding, thus eliminating time loss before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the reading unit's detection results to determine whether rotation is needed. When the reading unit fails to detect a barcode or detects it in a suboptimal position, the control unit triggers the rotation unit to reposition the object, creating a closed-loop system that prevents throughput interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If barcodes are on the top side of objects, then barcode readability is maximized, but objects with barcodes on other sides cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing system that can handle objects with barcodes in any initial position. The rotation unit acts as a multi-functional component that can rotate objects to various angles, enabling the system to process objects regardless of whether their barcodes are initially on the top, bottom, side, or any other position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration where objects must arrive in a specific orientation to a dynamic system that actively adjusts object orientation. The rotation unit provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the apparatus to handle diverse object orientations while consistently achieving optimal barcode reading positions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting an object including a barcode, the apparatus including: a first line along which the object is transported; a branch line that branches off from the first line to the side of the first line; a control unit for determining whether or not to allow the object to turn off the first line to the branch line; and a second line to which the object is transferred from the branch line, and along which the transferred object moves back to the first line, wherein the first line includes a sorter for allowing the object to turn off the first line to the branch line, and the control unit rotates the object by controlling a rotation unit provided on the branch line.