Package Dimension Measurement Using Segmented Receptor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimension measuring devices for packages are inefficient due to unwieldy structures, limited precision, and high computing power requirements, particularly in conveyor belt systems, which restrict the size of packages that can be measured and require frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A dimension measuring apparatus with detachable receptor modules connected in series, each equipped with a local controller and a central processor, uses a unified energy source and calibration methods to determine package dimensions precisely, allowing for flexible adaptation to different package sizes and reducing the need for frequent recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paired transmitters and receivers are positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor belt to measure package dimensions, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple independent receptor modules, each capable of measuring a specific dimension. Each module contains its own receptors and can be independently positioned along the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for complex paired structures across opposite sides of the belt.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from positioning transmitters and receivers on opposite sides of the conveyor belt (three-dimensional spatial arrangement) to positioning all receptors on the same side of the conveyor belt (two-dimensional arrangement), simplifying the structural configuration while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If transmitters and receivers are positioned above and below the conveyor belt to measure width, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system reconfigures from a three-dimensional arrangement with transmitters above and receivers below the conveyor belt to a two-dimensional arrangement with all receptors positioned on the same side of the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for conveyor belt section breaks and reducing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of transmitters and receivers are used to measure larger objects, then measurement capability for large packages is improved, but device complexity and computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device consists of multiple independent receptor modules that can be selectively activated. For small packages, only a few modules are needed, while for large packages, additional modules can be engaged, allowing the system to scale with package size without requiring a complete recalibration of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates only the necessary receptor modules based on the size of the package being measured. This dynamic configuration reduces the number of active components and computing requirements for small packages while maintaining full measurement capability for large packages.
Data Source
AI summary
A package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptor, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor outputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement set of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.