Optical Detection for Piece Good Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for handling and positioning piece goods in packaging and palletizing processes face challenges in achieving precise and efficient positioning without high computing and control efforts, leading to potential mechanical stress and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a manipulator with adjustable clamping elements and an optical detection device to accurately position and align piece goods, allowing for continuous and precise handling of piece goods in a row, with the optical detection device providing real-time data for calibration and movement control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If piece goods are conveyed on multiple belts with abrupt speed changes to achieve positioning, then positioning capability is improved, but mechanical stress on piece goods increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positioning system (multiple belts with abrupt speed changes) with an optical detection system. Optical sensors detect the position of piece goods, and this information is used to control a single conveyor belt's speed continuously, eliminating mechanical shocks while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt speed is controlled dynamically and continuously based on real-time optical detection data. The speed adjusts smoothly rather than changing abruptly, reducing mechanical stress on piece goods while maintaining positioning precision through continuous feedback control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple belts and stop points are used to arrange piece goods mechanically, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning devices (multiple belts, stop points, pushers) with an optical detection and control system. A single conveyor belt with variable speed control, guided by optical sensors, achieves the same positioning accuracy with significantly reduced mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection system acts as an intermediary between the conveyor belt and the control unit. It provides real-time position information that enables precise control of a single belt's speed, replacing the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If optical detection device remains stationary, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection device is made movable to track piece goods dynamically during conveyance. This movement enables continuous real-time detection of piece good positions, maintaining high positioning precision while the simple tracking motion keeps the device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable optical detection device provides continuous feedback on piece good positions to the control unit. This real-time feedback enables precise speed adjustment of the conveyor belt, achieving high positioning accuracy through dynamic monitoring rather than complex stationary detection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables high-speed, precise, and reliable handling of piece goods with reduced mechanical stress, ensuring accurate positioning and alignment while minimizing computing and control efforts.

Implementation Method 1

at least the space coordinates and/or a position of at least one piece good moved in transport direction to the seizing range is sensor-detected by at least one optical detection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11034534B2Apparatus and method for handling moving piece goods, and a conveying, processing and/or packaging plant with an apparatus for handling moving piece goods

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 KRONES AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) and method for handling moved piece goods (2), and a conveying, processing, and/or packaging plant including the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) comprises at least one manipulator (5) for piece goods (2), at least one transport device (3) by which the moved piece goods (2) are transportable to a seizing range (4) of the at least one manipulator (5), and at least one movable optical detection device (40) assigned to the seizing range (4) and/or to a movement range of the at least one manipulator (5). The optical detection device (40) obtains space coordinates and/or position data and/or contour data of at least one piece good (2) that is being moved. The at least one manipulator (5) and/or further conveyor components of the apparatus (10) can be calibrated and/or controlled based on the detected space coordinates and/or position data and/or contour data.