Rotating Inner Ring Scanner for 3D Object Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D scanning technologies are limited in their ability to quickly and easily scan high volumes of moving objects, such as those on a manufacturing production line, as they are typically designed for two-dimensional scanning or scanning single stationary/rotating objects, which hinders efficient manufacturing of 3D parts at scale.
Innovation Solution
A scanner system featuring a ring assembly with a stationary outer ring and a rotating inner ring, equipped with a 3D scanner that rotates with the inner ring to scan objects as they pass through, allowing for circular three-dimensional scanning of moving objects using a conveyor system, enabling efficient generation of 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional 3D scanning technologies are used for stationary or single-object scanning, then scanning precision can be maintained, but productivity and scanning speed for high-volume moving objects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scanner rotatable to follow the movement of objects on the conveyor belt. Instead of a stationary scanner, the system dynamically adjusts the scanner's position and orientation to track moving objects, enabling continuous scanning of high-volume production lines without sacrificing scanning precision or increasing scanning time per object.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scanning systems are designed for single objects, then device complexity remains manageable, but adaptability to high-volume production lines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a scanner system that can handle multiple scanning scenarios. The rotatable scanner mounted on the conveyor system can scan various types of moving objects across different production lines, making the system adaptable to diverse applications while managing complexity through a standardized platform that serves multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner system includes a ring assembly having a stationary outer ring member and a rotating inner ring member. The rotating inner ring member is rotatable with respect to the stationary outer ring member. The scanner system also includes at least one scanner mounted to the rotating inner ring member. The scanner(s) is a laser scanner or an image scanner. The scanner system further includes a conveyor member for transporting a plurality of objects through the ring assembly. As such, the scanner(s) is configured to rotate with the rotating inner ring member to scan an exterior surface of the plurality of objects as the plurality of objects pass through the ring assembly so as to generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of each of the plurality of objects.