Optical Position Correction for Belt Spool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing and managing belt spools in electronic devices face challenges with unreliable placement and accelerated gripper movements due to variations in surface finish and geometry, particularly with deformed bobbins like those made of cardboard, leading to potential collisions during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves precise optical scanning of belt spools to determine their dimensions and position, enabling correction values for secure alignment and positioning within storage compartments, using a gripper with mechanical fixing means and a centering pin for accurate placement and reduced risk of slipping or collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripper with parallel flat gripping elements is used to clamp belt spools, then the belt spools can be held and moved, but deformed bobbins cannot be held in a defined manner and may slip during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing optical scanning and measurement of the belt spool dimensions and position before the gripper movement. The system determines correction values for the positioning device based on these measurements, ensuring that the belt spool is precisely aligned with the storage compartment before insertion. This preliminary measurement and correction process prevents slipping and collision during acceleration, resolving the reliability issue with deformed bobbins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using optical scanning means to continuously monitor the position and dimensions of the belt spool, comparing the actual position with the target position, and automatically adjusting the positioning device based on determined correction values. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise alignment and prevents slipping during gripper movements, addressing the reliability concern while maintaining adaptability to various bobbin geometries.
2Force
If high clamping force is applied to prevent slipping during gripper movements, then belt spools can be held securely, but deformed bobbins may still collide with storage compartment edges due to geometric variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical clamping system with an optically-guided positioning system. Instead of relying solely on high clamping force to prevent collision, the system uses optical scanning means to measure the belt spool dimensions and position, determines correction values, and automatically adjusts the positioning device. This substitution of mechanical force with optical measurement and automated positioning achieves precise placement without requiring excessive clamping force, resolving the contradiction between force and precision.
3Quantity of substance
If the shelving system capacity is increased by reducing cross-sectional dimensions, then more storage compartments can be accommodated, but precise centering of belt spools becomes more critical to prevent collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the positioning device to automatically determine its own correction values based on optical scanning of the belt spool. The system independently measures the spool dimensions and position, calculates the necessary corrections, and adjusts itself without external intervention. This automated self-correction capability ensures precise centering even in compact shelving configurations, allowing increased storage capacity while maintaining the required precision.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of placement, accelerates gripper movements, and increases storage capacity by ensuring precise centering of belt spools within storage compartments, preventing collisions and improving handling of deformed bobbins.
Implementation Method 1
the device has scanning means for determining the dimensions of the belt reel
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The device has transfer station (1) in which belt spool (12) is provided, and storage compartments (2) in which shelf device (3) is stored. The belt spool is inserted into storage compartments along insertion direction (y). A slider (4) is moved in insertion direction perpendicular to transverse direction. An optical scanning unit is provided for determining size and position of belt spool. A control of the slider is performed for corresponding correction values along vertical transverse direction during recording and/or during insertion of the belt spool.