Parcel Locker Optical Detection Using Concave Mirror Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel locker systems face challenges in accurately detecting small items due to sensitivity to temperature variations, complex cabling requirements, and the need for precise adjustments, which increases costs and reduces reliability in detecting items as small as 10cm x 10cm x 1cm.
Innovation Solution
A parcel detection device using a laser diode and a light reflector with concave mirrors, where the mirrors are arranged on one side of the compartment to simplify cabling and reduce the need for adjustments, ensuring accurate detection of small items across a range of temperatures and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight sensors are used to detect small items, then detection capability is improved, but sensitivity to temperature variations increases and precision decreases for very light items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight sensor system with an optical detection system using laser beams and light curtains. This substitution eliminates the temperature sensitivity issues inherent in mechanical sensors while maintaining detection capability for small items. The optical system detects items through light interruption rather than weight measurement, providing reliable operation across temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from weight to optical properties. By using laser beams and light curtains, the system detects items based on light interruption rather than mass, fundamentally changing the measurement parameter to one that is not affected by temperature variations.
2Measurement precision
If light sensors with emitters and receivers are placed on both sides of the compartment, then detection accuracy is improved, but cabling complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emitter and receiver components onto a single side of the compartment. The laser beam is emitted from one side and reflected back to the same side by mirrors positioned opposite, eliminating the need for separate emitters and receivers on both sides and significantly reducing cabling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements to reflect laser beams back to the emitting side. These mirrors act as mediators that enable detection functionality without requiring physical connections on both sides of the compartment, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If mirrors are precisely adjusted for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concave mirrors with specific curvature radii designed to match the compartment dimensions. This curvature allows the mirrors to focus and redirect laser beams reliably without requiring precise angular adjustments, as the geometric shape inherently provides the necessary beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from adjustable flat mirrors to fixed concave mirrors with predetermined curvature. By setting the mirror curvature radius to match the compartment dimensions, the system eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining detection precision.
4Measurement precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are implemented for precise detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a system where the compartment structure itself serves the detection function. The concave mirrors are positioned and sized to match the compartment dimensions, allowing the structure to automatically provide the correct optical path without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of concave mirrors with curvature radii matched to compartment dimensions creates a self-aligning optical system. The geometric relationship between the curved mirrors and compartment walls ensures proper beam reflection without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and insensitive detection system that can accurately detect small items without requiring complex adjustments or cabling, maintaining functionality across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode for emitting a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a light reflector for reflecting said light beam towards a light sensor for detecting said light beam, wherein said light reflector comprises two square rulers or rods carrying opposite mirrors, a first square ruler or rod carrying a plurality of concave mirrors
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A parcel detection device for detecting an item in a compartment of a parcel locker, comprising a laser diode (20) for emitting a light beam and a light reflector for reflecting said light beam towards a light sensor (26) for detecting said light beam, said light reflector comprising two square rulers (22) or rods carrying opposite mirrors, a first square ruler (22) or rod carrying a plurality of concave mirrors (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) disposed in front of a flat mirror (24a) carried by a second square ruler (24) or rod.