Visual Position Indicator for Machine Conveyed Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for materials conveyed on machines do not provide immediate visual information about the position of characteristics-of-interest, making it difficult for personnel to determine the cause of defects or abnormalities during the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of visual indicators that provide direct, indirect, or combined direct and indirect illumination to indicate the position of characteristics-of-interest on the material, using light-emitting devices such as LEDs, LASERS, or fluorescent sources, which can be located above, below, or both above and below the material, to offer visual cues about the presence and location of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inspection devices detect characteristics-of-interest on conveyed material, then defect detection capability is improved, but immediate visual position information for personnel is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
A visual indicator system acts as an intermediary between the inspection device and personnel. The indicator receives position information from the inspection device and translates it into immediate visual feedback displayed on or near the material, bridging the gap between detection and human understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator creates a visual copy or representation of the defect position on the material itself or nearby. Instead of merely recording position data, the system projects or displays a visual marker at the corresponding location, allowing personnel to immediately see where defects are located without interpreting abstract data.
2Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show defect position, then personnel ability to determine defect cause is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual inspection methods with optical visual indicators. Instead of personnel physically tracing or searching for defects, light-based indicators automatically mark defect positions, simplifying the operational process while adding minimal complexity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system is designed to work with various inspection devices and material types, providing a universal solution. The same indicator mechanism can display positions for different defect types and can be integrated with multiple detection systems, reducing overall complexity through standardization.
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 personnel to quickly identify the position of defects or desired characteristics, facilitating decision-making on material rejection or further processing by providing clear visual feedback during both on-machine and off-machine inspections.
Implementation Method 1
using light-emitting devices such as LEDs, LASERS, or fluorescent sources
Implementation Method 2
using light-emitting devices such as LEDs, LASERS, or fluorescent sources
Implementation Method 3
using light-emitting devices such as LEDs, LASERS, or fluorescent sources
Data Source
AI summary
A system that visually indicates the position of a characteristic-of-interest of a machine conveyable material. The visual indication comprising direct, indirect and combinations thereof.