Orientation Module with Camera and Turning Member for Compact Container Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems lack efficient orienting capabilities while maintaining a compact footprint, which is essential for organizing and displaying multiple containers in a desired direction for shipping and promotional purposes.
Innovation Solution
A container packing and orienting system that includes a base with a camera for scanning and analyzing container orientation, a turning member to adjust the orientation, and a conveyor system with interchangeable star wheels for guiding containers of varying sizes, ensuring accurate and efficient orientation and grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional packaging systems are used, then the system can perform basic packaging functions, but the orienting capabilities are insufficient and the footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera system, processor for orientation analysis, and turning members into a single integrated orientation module. This merging of functions allows the system to perform scanning, analysis, and physical orientation adjustment within one compact unit, improving orienting capabilities while minimizing the footprint required on the production line.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation module is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple container types and orientations. The camera system can scan various container configurations, the processor can analyze different initial orientations, and the turning members can adjust to achieve desired secondary orientations, making the system adaptable to diverse packaging requirements within a small footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes multiple container sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the turning members can be repositioned and reconfigured based on the specific container size and orientation requirements. The camera and processor dynamically analyze each container's initial state and calculate the precise turning needed, allowing the system to adapt to various container sizes without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex mechanical changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation.