Optical Tube Scanning for Orientation and Scrap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently automate the handling and machining of tubular elements, particularly in the handling and machining of tubular elements, due to the lack of precise identification and orientation, and the presence of scraps hindering subsequent operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising optical sensors distributed on a scanning plane orthogonal to the feeding direction, scanning tubular elements to determine their shape, orientation, and presence of scraps, and comparing the data with stored models to automate handling and machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection is used to check tubular elements for scraps and machining correctness, then product quality can be ensured, but production speed decreases and full automation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection with an automated optical scanning system using sensors to detect scraps and verify machining correctness. The scanning device captures images of tubular elements and automatically analyzes them to identify defects, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining quality assurance and enabling continuous production operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the manufacturing process and quality assessment. The system uses captured images as intermediate data to automatically detect scraps, verify machining accuracy, and control product quality without requiring direct manual intervention, thereby maintaining both high speed and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the handling device is equipped with advanced sensing and orientation capabilities to handle section bars in any orientation, then handling accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary scanning and identification of tubular elements before handling operations. The optical sensors capture images and determine the exact shape, position, and orientation of each element in advance, allowing the handling device to prepare appropriate gripping and positioning actions beforehand. This preliminary information gathering simplifies the actual handling operation while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the scanning system continuously provides information about the tubular element's position and orientation to the control system. The control system processes this feedback information and adjusts the handling device's actions accordingly, enabling accurate handling of elements in any orientation through adaptive control rather than complex mechanical design.
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 precise and automated handling and machining of tubular elements, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing production downtime by ensuring correct orientation and rejecting non-conforming products.
Implementation Method 1
at least one scanning device, in turn comprising at least three optical sensors, and more preferably from three to five, distributed on a circumference
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors distributed on a scanning plane orthogonal to the feeding direction, scanning tubular elements to determine their shape, orientation, and presence of scraps
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a piece of apparatus for scanning tubular elements or section bars having any cross section, an embodiment of which comprises a scanning device having at least three optical sensors distributed around a point and all oriented towards said point, and a feeding system oriented in such a way as to make said tubular elements/section bars advance along a feeding direction from a station upstream of said scanning device to a station downstream of the scanning device, passing through the point. The scanning process using said piece of apparatus is also described.