Automatic Object Orientation Device Using Optical Axis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for orienting fruit and vegetables with spheroidal or oblong shapes in packaging lines are labor-intensive, costly, and often require complex, bulky devices that are not precise or effective, especially when trying to align features like the stem direction or color intensity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automatic device using rollers and a suction cup mechanism, combined with optical detection and control means, to rotate objects around multiple axes and align them based on identified main axes and surface features, ensuring accurate orientation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual orientation methods are used, then orientation accuracy can be maintained, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The object itself serves as the reference for orientation by identifying its own main axis through geometric analysis. The system uses the object's inherent geometric features (vertices, edges, faces) to determine its main axis and orientation, eliminating the need for external reference objects or complex positioning mechanisms. This self-referential approach enables automatic orientation while maintaining accuracy.
2Extent of automation
If complex automatic orientation devices are installed, then automation level increases, but device complexity and structural complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation devices with an optical-mechanical system. Instead of using bulky mechanical structures to physically guide or force objects into orientation, the system uses optical sensors to capture images, computationally determine the main axis, and then uses simple rotational mechanisms to align objects based on this information. This substitution of complex mechanical systems with optical sensing and computational analysis simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the object's geometry through image capture and processing. By analyzing the captured images to identify vertices, edges, and faces, the system builds a geometric model of the object that allows determination of the main axis without physical contact or complex mechanical probing. This digital copying approach simplifies the physical device requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise orientation is achieved through manual methods, then orientation accuracy is maintained, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation process is integrated into the continuous packaging flow. Objects are oriented automatically as they move through the system, with image capture, analysis, and rotational adjustment occurring in sequence without interrupting the overall production flow. The system maintains continuous operation by processing multiple objects sequentially, with each object's orientation determined and executed without stopping the packaging line.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the main axis and required orientation adjustments before the object is deposited into the final packaging position. By pre-calculating the orientation needs based on captured images and geometric analysis, the system can prepare the orientation command in advance, allowing the object to be oriented during its transit through the system rather than requiring adjustment after placement.
4Device complexity
If simple orientation devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but orientation accuracy and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to capture images of objects, processes these images to determine the actual geometry and main axis, compares this with the desired orientation, and adjusts the object's position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that even simple mechanical rotation devices can achieve high orientation accuracy by continuously monitoring and adjusting based on actual object geometry rather than relying on pre-programmed positions.
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 rapid, precise, and cost-effective automatic orientation of objects, allowing for efficient packaging with desired features facing upwards, such as the stem or most intense color, improving packaging line efficiency and product presentation.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup mechanism, combined with optical detection and control means, to rotate objects around multiple axes
Implementation Method 2
A compact, automatic device using rollers and a suction cup mechanism, combined with optical detection and control means, to rotate objects around multiple axes
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for orienting objects in which a main axis (S) can be identified and comprising: first rotation means (11, 12), configured to bring about the rotation of an object (P) around a first axis (X); second rotation means (21), configured to bring about the rotation of an object (P) around a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X); an optical detection device (31, 32), configured to capture images and/or a video of the object (P) during the rotation around the first axis (X); control means (50), configured to control the actuation of the first rotation means (11, 12) and of the second rotation means (21) and to receive and process the images and/or videos captured by the optical detection device (31, 32); said control means (50) being further configured to: recognize, during the rotation of the object (P) around the first axis (X), a first position in which a main axis (S) of the object (P) lies in a given plane of orientation (A); recognize, during the rotation of the object (P) around the first axis (X), a second position in which the object (P) assumes a pre-established angular position relative to the first rotation axis (X).