Orthogonal Barcode Measurement for Custom Carton Dimensioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current carton-producing machines require manual input or barcode-based dimensioning for custom boxes, which limits efficiency and increases costs, especially when packaging objects of random size or shape.
Innovation Solution
A system with a physical measurement apparatus featuring orthogonal surfaces with computer-readable codes that automatically determine the dimensions of an object, transmitting these measurements to a carton-making machine to construct custom boxes of varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual input or barcode-based dimensioning is used for custom boxes, then the system can produce customized boxes, but efficiency is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system performs self-measurement using the object's own barcode data to automatically determine box dimensions, eliminating manual measurement and input. The object's barcode contains identification information that the system uses to automatically retrieve dimensional data, enabling the system to serve itself without human intervention for dimension specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and input processes with an automated optical scanning system. Barcode scanners and computer vision technology substitute for human operators physically measuring and entering dimensions, converting a manual mechanical process into an automated optical-electronic system that increases efficiency while reducing labor costs.
2Loss of substance
If fixed-size cartons are used, then packaging is simple, but material waste increases and shipping space is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the dimensional parameters of packaging cartons based on the specific measurements of each object. Instead of using fixed-size cartons, the system adjusts length, width, and height parameters to precisely match the object being packaged, minimizing material waste while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through automated parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system transitions from static fixed-size cartons to dynamic customizable cartons that adapt their dimensions to each object. The system continuously adjusts carton parameters based on real-time measurement data, enabling flexible material usage that reduces waste while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated control.
3Productivity
If automated dimensioning is implemented, then packaging efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal barcode scanning technology that can identify and measure multiple types of objects through a single interface. The barcode standard serves as a universal language that allows the measurement system to handle diverse objects without requiring object-specific measurement procedures, increasing efficiency while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode acts as an intermediary that bridges the object and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring physical dimensions of diverse objects, the system scans the barcode intermediary to retrieve dimensional information, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining high productivity through indirect information acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for making custom boxes for objects of random size or shape includes physical measurement apparatus having two or more mutually orthogonal surfaces, each surface including a plurality of computer-readable codes representing distances to one of the other surfaces. At least one object is placed or transferred into apparatus so as to contact as many of the surfaces as possible. The codes are read on each surface to determine the greatest physical extent of the object in multiple dimensions, and the dimensions are delivered to a carton making machine to construct a custom carton to accommodate the object in the multiple dimensions. The physical measurement apparatus preferably includes a primary horizontal surface and two upstanding vertical surfaces, and the computer-readable codes are scannable bar codes arranged as matrices on each surface.