Unstable Object Recognition on Conveyors Using Laser Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recognizing unstable objects in sorting devices are ineffective in significantly reducing the need for manual intervention, as they only partially address the issue of identifying and managing objects that could tip over or fall during transport.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes laser profile sensors and photocell barriers to detect the base shape and overall shape of objects, combined with a processing unit to calculate geometric parameters and classify objects as stable or unstable based on predefined thresholds, enabling automatic recognition and classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanners and scales are used to determine object shape and weight, then recognition of unstable objects is performed, but the effectiveness is only partial and manual intervention is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the recognition task into two distinct phases: base shape detection using laser profile sensors during transport, and overall shape detection using photocell barriers at specific positions. This segmentation allows each sensor type to specialize in detecting specific geometric parameters, improving overall recognition accuracy while enabling full automation of the unstable object detection process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the base shape using laser profile sensors while the object is still in transport on the conveyor. This preliminary action captures the supporting surface geometry before the object reaches the sorting position, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate stability parameters and prepare appropriate sorting actions, thereby achieving complete automation without manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If the base shape is detected to determine supporting surface, then stability assessment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with optical sensing technologies. Laser profile sensors and photocell barriers detect base shape and overall shape parameters through non-contact optical fields, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors or complex mechanical measurement apparatus while achieving high precision stability assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the object's base shape and overall shape through optical scanning. The laser profile sensor generates a digital profile of the supporting surface, and photocell barriers create a digital representation of the object's overall geometry. These digital copies are then processed by the control unit to calculate stability parameters, avoiding the need for complex physical measurement mechanisms
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 and automated identification of unstable objects, reducing the reliance on human oversight and enhancing the stability of sorting operations.
Implementation Method 1
detection means, in particular a laser profile sensor
Implementation Method 2
laser profile sensor to detect the shape of the base
Implementation Method 3
upper detection means, in particular a photocell barrier
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a system for recognising unstable objects transported resting on a conveyor (10), comprising means for detecting the bottom (3) designed for detecting the shape of the bottom of an object (2) transported.