Under-Convveyor Label Scanner for Variable Object Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices for machine-readable labels struggle to reliably read labels on objects of varying sizes, especially when small or flat items are placed with the label facing downwards, leading to inefficiencies and delays in checkout processes due to costly special installations and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A transportation device with slats or carriers that move at the same speed as the conveyor belt ensures objects are aligned correctly with the scanning device, minimizing friction and forces, and can handle objects of all sizes, using standard scanning devices and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning device is positioned above or to the side of the conveyor belt, then the label can be read when the object is properly oriented, but items placed with the label facing downward cannot be read, causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the scanning device above or to the side of the conveyor belt, the patent inverts the approach by placing the scanning device underneath the conveyor belt. This allows the scanner to read labels on the underside of items regardless of their orientation on the belt, eliminating the problem of unreadable labels and associated delays.
2Reliability
If the scanning device is placed in a narrow space between two belts, then small objects can be transported reliably, but the installation becomes cost-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the scanning device from a horizontal arrangement (between two belts at the same level) to a vertical arrangement (underneath the conveyor belt). This dimensional change allows the scanner to access the underside of items without requiring a narrow horizontal space, simplifying the installation while maintaining reliable transport of small objects.
3Reliability
If the scanning device is kept very narrow to accommodate small objects, then transportation is reliable, but the scanning device cannot handle objects of all sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the scanning device underneath the conveyor belt, the system achieves universality in handling objects of various sizes. The scanner can read labels on items regardless of their dimensions or orientation, making the system adaptable to diverse product types while maintaining reliable transportation through the standardized conveyor belt mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for the optical scanning of a machine-readable label applied to an object are proposed. The device has at least one belt conveyor (1) and one receiving tray, which are located sequentially spaced apart. A scanning device (3) is located between the belt conveyor (1) and the receiving tray. An additional conveyor device (4) is provided close to the belt conveyor (1) and the scanning device (3) which has several carriers (7) running perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt conveyor (1). Between two carriers (7) there is a space (12) to accommodate an object. The conveying device (4) covers the scanning device (3) completely and the belt conveyor (1) at least partially. An object is placed on the belt conveyor (1) between two carriers (7) with the side carrying the label and taken across the scanning device (3) by the carriers (7). Then the object is taken to the receiving tray by the carriers (7).