Top-and-Bottom ID Scanning for Moving Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems are unable to efficiently scan identification codes on the top or bottom of beverage containers during transport, as they are designed to read codes on the sides perpendicular to the transport direction, which is not suitable for branding purposes and hinders efficient processing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an optical device with a field of view and line of view angled at 45 degrees or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, allowing scanning of IDs on the top or bottom while the container is moved in parallel to the transport direction, optionally using a reflective or refractive unit to redirect the field of view, and a conveyor to align objects before scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the optical device scans the side of the container perpendicular to the transport direction, then the scanning system is simple and easy to implement, but the ID code cannot be scanned when the container is in motion and the code must be placed on the side which compromises branding aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the scanning dimension from perpendicular to the transport direction to parallel with the transport direction. The optical device is arranged to scan the top or bottom surface of the container while the container moves along the conveyor, allowing the ID code to be read in the direction of motion rather than requiring perpendicular scanning of the side surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical device is arranged to scan the top or bottom of the container during transport, then branding aesthetics are improved and ID codes can be placed on preferred surfaces, but the scanning system becomes more complex and requires precise angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a particular angular parameter for the optical device arrangement - the line of view should intersect the longitudinal axis at an angle of 45 degrees or less. This parameter change provides a concrete design guideline that balances the ability to scan top/bottom surfaces during transport with manageable system complexity.
3Productivity
If the container is scanned while in motion on the conveyor, then processing throughput is increased and manual intervention is reduced, but the scanning system must handle moving objects which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stopping and positioning mechanisms with an optical scanning system that reads codes during continuous motion. Instead of mechanically halting containers for scanning, the system uses optical detection capable of reading ID codes on moving containers, substituting mechanical intervention with optical detection.
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
Enables efficient scanning of IDs on the top or bottom of containers in motion, increasing throughput and reducing the need for manual intervention, while maintaining compactness and avoiding contamination or damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device with a field of view and a line of view and is configured for scanning the object ID
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for scanning an ID on an object, such as used beverage containers. The object being of a type having a top and bottom with an ID arranged on the top and/or bottom. The apparatus comprises an optical device configured for scanning the object ID when the object is conveyed with the top or bottom in the transport direction. The present invention furthermore relates to a use of the apparatus in an identification system for beverage bottle recovery and a method of scanning an ID on an object in motion.