Reception System Fill-Level Detection Using Multi-Path Sensor Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reception systems for objects, such as product checkout systems and reverse vending machines, lack automation in conveying objects into reception devices, leading to potential errors and increased operational complexity, especially when multiple devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that emits sensor signals along different paths over the reception device to determine the fill level, allowing for the control of conveyor belt speeds and adjustment of distributing guides to optimize object placement, using infrared light or other sensors like ultrasonic and capacitive sensors to detect objects and calculate fill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are arranged on conveyor belt sections to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the system requires manual adjustment of distributing guides and increased operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device automatically detects objects and determines fill levels without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by controlling the object separation device and conveyor belt speeds based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of distributing guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device provides continuous feedback about object presence and fill levels to the control unit. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the object separation device and conveyor speeds, replacing manual operation with automated closed-loop control.
2Productivity
If multiple reception devices are used to increase capacity, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of coordinating and adjusting distributing guides increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device serves multiple functions: detecting objects, determining fill levels for multiple reception devices, and providing data for coordinating the object separation device. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture while managing multiple reception devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of distributing guides is replaced with automated control based on sensor data. The control unit coordinates multiple reception devices using electronic signals and automated mechanisms, reducing the complexity of manual coordination.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of distributing guides is used, then device complexity is reduced, but errors increase and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The object separation device automatically adjusts itself based on sensor feedback about fill levels, eliminating manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces human error while maintaining system simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous sensor feedback about fill levels enables the control unit to automatically adjust the object separation device, eliminating manual errors. The closed-loop control system ensures reliable operation by constantly monitoring and adjusting based on actual conditions.
4Measurement precision
If sensor signals are emitted along different paths to accurately determine fill level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill level detection is divided into multiple discrete measurement points along different signal paths. Each sensor path provides independent measurement data that is processed to determine overall fill level, enabling accurate segmentation of the reception device into measurable zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple measurement functions using a single integrated system. By emitting signals along different paths, the same sensor device determines fill levels for multiple reception devices and provides coordination data, avoiding the need for separate measurement systems.
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
This solution enables more efficient and automated operation of reception systems by accurately determining fill levels, reducing errors and enhancing user experience through intelligent control of conveyor systems and object distribution, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of fill levels.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor signals represent signals of infrared light, for example. The sensor device therefore emits, for example, by means of an infrared LED, infrared light along different signal paths
Implementation Method 2
which interact with objects located in the reception device, for example, in that signal paths are interrupted and/or sensor signals are reflected or deflected
Implementation Method 3
using infrared light or other sensors like ultrasonic and capacitive sensors to detect objects and calculate fill levels
Implementation Method 4
using infrared light or other sensors like ultrasonic and capacitive sensors to detect objects and calculate fill levels
Data Source
AI summary
A reception system for receiving objects comprises at least one reception device for receiving objects, a conveyor device, which has at least one conveyor belt section for conveying objects in a conveyance direction in the at least one reception device, and a sensor device, which is arranged on the at least one reception device, for detecting objects in the at least one reception device. It is provided in this case that the sensor device is designed to emit sensor signals along different signal paths over the reception device, to conclude a fill level of the reception device on the basis of an interaction of at least one of the sensor signals with objects conveyed into the reception device. In this manner, a reception system for receiving objects is provided, which enables further automation, in particular in the conveyance of objects into a reception device.