Single-Camera Flipper Inspection for Continuous Multi-Surface Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection methods require multiple camera devices for inspecting top and side surfaces of objects, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to downtime during object rotation.
Innovation Solution
An object inspection apparatus and method utilizing a single camera device that moves between two flipper apparatuses to inspect multiple angles of two objects simultaneously, reducing downtime and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple camera devices are used to inspect top and side surfaces of objects, then inspection coverage is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic repositioning of a single camera device between multiple inspection positions to achieve comprehensive surface coverage. The camera moves along a transfer path to inspect different surfaces (top, side, bottom) of objects at different stages, replacing the need for multiple static camera devices while maintaining complete inspection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera device is designed to perform multiple inspection functions by moving between different positions. The same camera inspects top surfaces, side surfaces, and bottom surfaces of objects at various stages, making one device universal for all inspection tasks that would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If a single camera device inspects one object, then cost is reduced, but loss time occurs during object rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous inspection operation by having the camera device inspect one object while another object is being rotated into position. The inspection process does not stop during rotation because the camera can immediately inspect the next object that has been positioned, ensuring uninterrupted useful action and eliminating idle time.
Solution Approach 2:
Objects are pre-positioned and rotated into the inspection area before the camera needs to inspect them. The rotation and positioning actions are performed in advance so that when the camera completes inspecting one object, the next object is already ready for immediate inspection, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous operation.
3Area of stationary object
If a single camera device inspects multiple objects alternately, then space utilization is improved, but inspection time per object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process is segmented into multiple stations or positions, with each position dedicated to inspecting specific surfaces of objects. The camera moves between these segmented positions, allowing parallel processing where different objects are at different stages of inspection simultaneously, maintaining high throughput while utilizing space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera device follows a periodic cycle of moving between inspection positions and inspecting objects in sequence. This rhythmic back-and-forth motion between positions creates a predictable inspection rhythm that optimizes both space utilization and inspection speed, allowing the system to maintain high productivity through efficient periodic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An object inspection apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a first flipper apparatus configured to rotate a first object; a second flipper apparatus configured to rotate a second object; and a single camera device configured to move from a position corresponding to one of the first flipper apparatus and the second flipper apparatus to a position corresponding to the other, the camera device being configured to inspect object surfaces of the first object and the second object. Each of the first flipper apparatus and the second flipper apparatus includes at least one flipper unit.