Optical Speed Sensor Ferrule Design for Conveyor Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed measurement methods for objects on conveyor belts, such as those using driveshaft rotation, suffer from limited accuracy due to slip between the driveshaft and conveyor belt, and photodetector methods are not precise enough for marking and scanning applications.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device utilizing a transmitter and two receivers with optical fibers arranged in a common ferrule to detect time shifts in light signals reflected from an object's surface, allowing for accurate speed measurement without the need for special markings, leveraging inherent surface roughness or structure for phase shift detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If driveshaft rotation speed is measured to determine object speed, then the measurement system is simple to implement, but measurement precision deteriorates due to slip between driveshaft and conveyor belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (driveshaft rotation sensing) with an optical measurement system. Light is projected onto the object surface and the reflected light is analyzed to detect surface movement, thereby measuring object speed directly without mechanical contact or slip issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about object motion. The light interacts with the object surface and carries motion information back to the detector, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of object speed through optical properties rather than mechanical coupling.
2Measurement precision
If photodetectors are used to measure object speed based on time to cover distance, then direct object speed measurement is achieved, but measurement precision remains insufficient for marking and scanning applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from temporal measurement (time to cover distance) to spatial-frequency measurement by analyzing the frequency of light intensity variations caused by surface roughness. This dimensional shift in measurement approach enables much higher precision suitable for marking and scanning applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in light intensity (optical property) reflected from the object surface, which vary due to surface roughness and object motion. By detecting these optical variations, the system achieves precise speed measurement without requiring special markings on the object.
3Measurement precision
If special speed measuring markings are applied to objects, then speed measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the object itself to serve as the measurement target by utilizing its inherent surface properties (roughness, structure). The object's own surface characteristics interact with the projected light to generate measurable signals, eliminating the need for external markings or preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from requiring artificial markings to utilizing inherent surface optical properties. By measuring the frequency of light intensity variations caused by surface roughness during object motion, the system achieves accurate speed measurement without any modification to the object.
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 solution provides high accuracy in measuring object speed, integrating seamlessly into marking and scanning apparatuses, enhancing precision and flexibility by eliminating the need for precise speed measuring markings and reducing errors from slip.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (56) having a transmitting fibre (56) for transmitting light to an object, a receiver (57, 58) having a first receiving fibre (57) and a second receiving fibre (58) for receiving light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
for detecting the first and second light signals, for determining a time shift between the first light signal and the second light signal and for converting the determined time shift to a speed value of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for marking and/or scanning (m/s) an object comprising a m/s head (20) having a plurality of receiving spaces (24) for m/s devices (40), a driving mechanism for moving the object, a measuring device (50) for measuring the object speed comprising a transmitter having a transmitting fibre (56) for transmitting light to the object, a receiver having first and second light receiving fibres (57, 58) for receiving light reflected from the object forming light signals, and processor means (70) for determining a time shift between the light signals to provide a speed value of the object, all the fibres are arranged in a common first ferrule (52), the m/s devices include second ferrules, the first and second ferrules have corresponding connector sections and are variably connected to the receiving spaces of the scanning head, and the speed measuring device is arranged in one of the receiving spaces. The invention further relates to a method for measuring the object speed with the m/s apparatus.