Automatic detection system and intelligent pH value detection workstation
By using an automated detection system for preliminary identification and verification, combined with a pH detection robot and electrode-assisted equipment, the problems of low efficiency and insufficient accuracy in dairy product testing have been solved, achieving an efficient and accurate automated testing process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 蒙牛乳业(宁夏)有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Current dairy product testing relies on manual operation, resulting in low testing efficiency, a high risk of errors, and difficulty in guaranteeing the authenticity and accuracy of results. This fails to meet the needs of smart laboratories for automated and intelligent testing processes.
An automated detection system is adopted, including a preliminary identification mechanism, an identification verification mechanism, and a detection mechanism. The accuracy of information verification is improved by identifying and verifying twice. The detection accuracy is improved by using a pH detection robot and electrode auxiliary equipment. The automated process is achieved by combining gripping, package breaking, and anomaly handling mechanisms.
It significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of dairy product testing, reduces manual processing, automates and automates the testing process, and ensures the authenticity and accuracy of test data.
Smart Images
Figure CN224203204U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of dairy product quality testing technology, and in particular to an automatic testing system and a smart pH value testing workstation. Background Technology
[0002] In the current dairy product testing field, sample information verification and subsequent quality testing (such as pH value testing) mainly rely on manual operation, which presents significant problems. In manual testing processes, testing personnel must participate in sample pretreatment, equipment debugging, and data acquisition throughout the entire process. This not only incurs high labor costs and long-term training expenses but also, due to limitations in personnel's understanding of the testing equipment's principles, is prone to delays in equipment stability monitoring. For example, insufficient operational proficiency can lead to electrode calibration deviations and buffer solution preparation errors, directly causing incorrect test data and making it difficult to guarantee the authenticity and accuracy of the results. Furthermore, in the sample information verification stage, manual checking of dairy product label information and entry of testing tasks is prone to errors in information matching due to visual fatigue and operational negligence, such as mismatched sample numbers and test data, and missed expiration date information. This results in difficulties in tracing the testing process and affects the efficiency of quality control. In addition, under the manual operation mode, the real-time correlation of test data and the monitoring of equipment status are lagging behind, failing to meet the needs of smart laboratories for automated and intelligent testing processes. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides an automatic detection system to solve the problems of low efficiency and error-proneness in the detection of dairy products, which relies solely on manual labor in the prior art, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of dairy product detection.
[0004] This application also provides a smart pH value detection workstation.
[0005] An automatic detection system according to a first aspect of the present application includes a preliminary identification mechanism, an identification verification mechanism, and a detection mechanism.
[0006] In the conveying direction of the dairy product to be tested, the preliminary identification mechanism is located upstream of the identification verification mechanism, and the detection mechanism is located downstream of the identification verification mechanism;
[0007] The preliminary identification mechanism is configured to acquire first information about the dairy product to be tested.
[0008] The identification and verification mechanism is configured to acquire second information about the dairy product to be tested, and verify the correctness of the first information based on the second information;
[0009] The testing organization is configured to perform quality testing on the dairy products to be tested after they have passed the verification by the identification and verification organization.
[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the automatic detection system further includes a first gripping mechanism disposed between the identification and verification mechanism and the detection mechanism. The first gripping mechanism is configured to grip the dairy product to be detected after it has been verified by the identification and verification mechanism and place it onto the conveyor line in front of the detection mechanism.
[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the automatic detection system further includes an empty bin recycling mechanism, which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism;
[0012] On the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism, the dairy product to be tested is placed in the material box. After the first gripping mechanism grabs the dairy product to be tested from the material box, the empty material box recycling mechanism recycles the empty material box.
[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the automatic detection system further includes an abnormal material bin processing mechanism, which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism.
[0014] The abnormal material bin processing mechanism is configured to collect dairy products that fail the verification by the identification and verification mechanism.
[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the automatic detection system further includes a packaging breaking mechanism disposed between the first gripping mechanism and the detection mechanism, the packaging breaking mechanism being configured to puncture the packaging of the dairy product to be detected.
[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the detection mechanism includes a pH detection robot, the pH detection robot includes a detection electrode, the detection electrode extends into the dairy product to be tested through a puncture hole formed on the packaging of the dairy product to be tested by the packaging breaking mechanism, so as to detect the pH value of the dairy product to be tested.
[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the detection mechanism further includes an electrode auxiliary device for improving the detection accuracy of the detection electrode.
[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, the electrode auxiliary device includes a calibration liquid platform, a cleaning module, and a blower module;
[0019] The calibration liquid stage is equipped with a potassium chloride solution for soaking the detection electrode, the cleaning module is configured to clean the residual potassium chloride solution on the detection electrode, and the blowing module is configured to dry the residual moisture on the detection electrode.
[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the automatic detection system further includes a non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism and a second gripping mechanism disposed downstream of the detection mechanism.
[0021] The second gripping mechanism is configured to grip dairy products that are detected as unqualified by the testing mechanism and transfer them to the unqualified product temporary storage mechanism.
[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the preliminary identification mechanism is a barcode scanning device, and / or the identification verification mechanism is a 3D camera.
[0023] According to a second aspect of this application, a smart pH value detection workstation includes a workstation body and the aforementioned automatic detection system.
[0024] The automatic detection system is located in the main body of the workstation.
[0025] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this application have at least one of the following technical effects:
[0026] The automated testing system in this application improves the accuracy of sample verification by employing a two-stage identification and verification process, using both a preliminary identification mechanism and a secondary verification mechanism. This avoids errors and omissions that can easily occur with manual checks. The secondary verification by the secondary verification mechanism prevents errors in the preliminary identification process caused by unforeseen circumstances such as sample obstruction, reflection, or stains, further enhancing the accuracy of information detection and traceability. Samples that have undergone secondary verification are then sent to the testing facility for quality inspection, reducing the number of tests required and improving testing efficiency. The automated testing system in this application boasts a high degree of automation, requiring minimal manual processing, and significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of dairy product testing.
[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic detection system provided in this application.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the automatic detection system provided in this application. Figure 1 .
[0031] Figure 3This is a partial structural diagram of the automatic detection system provided in this application. Figure 2 .
[0032] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the automatic detection system provided in this application. Figure 3 .
[0033] Figure label:
[0034] 11. Preliminary identification mechanism; 12. Framing station; 13. Abnormal material bin handling mechanism; 14. Empty material bin recycling mechanism; 15. Identification and verification mechanism; 16. First gripping mechanism; 17. OCR code reader; 18. Packaging breaking mechanism; 19. Transition roller; 20. Detection mechanism; 201. pH detection robot; 202. Calibration liquid platform; 203. Cleaning module; 21. Second gripping mechanism; 22. Non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism; 23. Waste milk recycling tank; 24. Milk bag separation mechanism; 25. Control cabinet; 26. Computer operating console; 27. Fence; 28. Conveyor chain. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.
[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0039] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0040] An automatic detection system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the automatic detection system includes a preliminary identification mechanism 11, an identification verification mechanism 15, and a detection mechanism 20. In the direction of sample transport, the preliminary identification mechanism 11 is upstream of the identification verification mechanism 15, and the detection mechanism 20 is downstream of the identification verification mechanism 15. The preliminary identification mechanism 11 is configured to acquire first information about the sample to be tested; the identification verification mechanism 15 is configured to acquire second information about the sample to be tested and verify the correctness of the first information based on the second information; the detection mechanism 20 is configured to perform quality testing on the sample to be tested after verification by the identification verification mechanism 15. The following explanation uses dairy products as an example of the sample to be tested. In actual operation, other types of samples can also be tested as needed.
[0041] The automatic detection system in this application improves the accuracy of information verification for dairy products by employing a preliminary identification mechanism 11 and a verification mechanism 15 for two-stage identification and re-verification, thus avoiding errors and omissions that are prone to occur during manual verification. The secondary verification by the verification mechanism 15 prevents errors in information identification by the preliminary identification mechanism 11 due to unforeseen circumstances such as partial obstruction, reflection, or stains on the dairy products, further enhancing the accuracy of information detection and traceability. The dairy products, after undergoing secondary verification, are then transported to the testing institution 20 for quality inspection, which reduces the number of tests required by the testing institution 20 and improves testing efficiency. The automatic detection system in this application has a high degree of automation, requires minimal manual processing, and significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of dairy product testing.
[0042] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the automatic detection system also includes a first gripping mechanism 16 disposed between the identification and verification mechanism 15 and the detection mechanism 20. The first gripping mechanism 16 is configured to grip the dairy product to be detected after it has passed the verification by the identification and verification mechanism 15 and place it on the conveyor line in front of the detection mechanism 20.
[0043] The dairy products to be tested are placed in a container. The container is first conveyed to the preliminary identification mechanism 11 via the conveyor chain 28. The preliminary identification mechanism 11 performs preliminary identification on the dairy products in the container and records the relevant first information. Then, the container is conveyed to the de-framing station 12 before the first gripping mechanism 16 via the conveyor chain 28. The identification verification mechanism 15 performs secondary identification on the dairy products in the container. Containers containing dairy products that pass the verification by the identification verification mechanism 15 are then gripped by the first gripping mechanism 16 and placed onto the conveyor line before the testing mechanism 20. The testing mechanism 20 then checks whether the dairy products are qualified.
[0044] The first gripping mechanism 16 enables automated connection between the identification and verification and the detection process. By replacing manual transfer with mechanical gripping, it eliminates operational errors when manually picking up and placing samples, ensuring that the dairy products to be tested are accurately positioned on the delivery line of the detection mechanism 20, and avoiding sample contamination or positional deviation caused by manual contact. At the same time, the gripping action based on the preset program can achieve millisecond-level response, significantly improving the flow efficiency of the detection process, shortening the residence time of samples in the transition stage, and forming an automated link with the identification and verification mechanism 15 and the detection mechanism 20.
[0045] The first gripping mechanism 16 can be a gantry, a robotic arm, or a gripping robot. It grips four or six packages of dairy products at a time and places them on the subsequent conveying line (i.e., conveyor chain 28) to await quality inspection by the inspection mechanism 20. The first gripping mechanism 16 determines the number of products to be gripped each time based on information such as the product type and quantity detected by the 3D camera.
[0046] After the first gripping mechanism 16 finishes gripping the dairy products in the bin, the empty bin is recycled to the empty bin recycling mechanism 14, ready for the next batch of dairy products. Each bin can hold multiple rows and columns of dairy products. A height-adjustable transition roller 19 can be installed between the empty bin recycling mechanism 14 and the disassembly station 12 before the first gripping mechanism 16. The height of the transition roller 19 is raised to transport the empty bins on the disassembly station 12 to the empty bin recycling mechanism 14. Similarly, a height-adjustable transition roller 19 can also be installed between the disassembly station 12 before the first gripping mechanism 16 and the abnormal bin handling mechanism 13 to transport bins containing dairy products to the abnormal bin handling mechanism 13.
[0047] In practical applications, the first gripping mechanism 16 can integrate a visual positioning system and flexible gripping technology to adaptively grip dairy packaging of different specifications and shapes, enhancing the system's compatibility with multiple types of samples. The first gripping mechanism 16 can adopt a modular design, which is convenient to replace according to different detection tasks, effectively improving the integration and intelligence level of the smart workstation.
[0048] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic detection system also includes an empty container recycling mechanism 14, which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism 16. On the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism 16, the dairy product to be tested is placed in the container. After the first gripping mechanism 16 grabs the dairy product to be tested from the container, the empty container recycling mechanism 14 recycles the empty container.
[0049] In the automated testing system, the empty container recycling mechanism 14 achieves closed-loop automation of the testing process. After the first gripping mechanism 16 completes the gripping of the dairy product to be tested, the empty container recycling mechanism 14 can recycle the empty containers in real time, preventing the accumulation of empty containers from occupying the space of the conveyor line and ensuring smooth logistics at the feeding end. This structure replaces manual picking with automated recycling, eliminating problems such as container leakage and disorderly stacking caused by manual operation, significantly improving the continuity and standardization of the testing process, while reducing labor costs.
[0050] The empty container recycling mechanism 14 can be integrated with the conveyor line to achieve container recycling in conjunction with the intelligent warehousing system. For example, the recycled empty containers can be automatically returned to the loading station after cleaning and disinfection, forming a closed-loop chain of "loading-detection-recycling-reuse". In addition, the empty container recycling mechanism 14 can integrate an empty container counting function, which can interact with the control system to provide real-time feedback on the quantity and usage status of containers, providing auxiliary data support for dairy product quality testing and further improving the intelligent management level of the smart workstation.
[0051] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic detection system also includes an abnormal material bin processing mechanism 13, which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism 16; the abnormal material bin processing mechanism 13 is configured to collect dairy products to be tested that have failed the verification by the identification and verification mechanism 15.
[0052] For dairy products that fail the verification by the identification and verification mechanism 15, they are transported to the abnormal material box processing mechanism 13 by means of a pushing mechanism. The location and quantity of the dairy products to be tested at the abnormal material box processing mechanism 13 are checked manually. After the verification is correct, they are automatically pushed back to the conveyor line in front of the preliminary identification mechanism 11.
[0053] The abnormal sample bin handling mechanism 13 automates the sorting and isolation of abnormal samples during the testing process. Through its linkage with the identification and verification mechanism 15, it accurately captures dairy products that have failed information verification, preventing substandard samples (such as incorrect labels, product category confusion, or missing information) from entering subsequent testing stages. This eliminates the waste of testing resources and data invalidation caused by incorrect sample information at the source. The abnormal sample bin handling mechanism 13 uses automated collection to replace manual screening, significantly improving the efficiency of abnormal sample handling, preventing process delays caused by abnormal sample bins lingering on the conveyor line, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the testing production line, and reducing the chance of manually missing abnormal samples.
[0054] The abnormal material bin processing mechanism 13 integrates visual recognition and intelligent classification modules to classify and process different types of abnormalities (such as label damage, box damage, and product mismatch). Minor abnormalities that can be corrected are directed to the manual review station, while severely abnormal samples are directly marked and isolated to the waste storage area. Furthermore, the abnormal material bin processing mechanism 13 can interact with the control system in real time to generate abnormal sample processing logs, providing data support for quality traceability and process optimization. This helps build a fully traceable intelligent detection system, effectively improving the abnormal response capability and quality control accuracy of the smart workstation.
[0055] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the automatic detection system also includes a packaging breaking mechanism 18 disposed between the first gripping mechanism 16 and the detection mechanism 20. The packaging breaking mechanism 18 is configured to puncture the packaging of the dairy product to be tested, leaving a puncture hole on the packaging so that the subsequent detection electrode can be inserted into the dairy product through the puncture hole for detection.
[0056] The packaging breaking mechanism 18 automates the pre-processing of test samples. By mechanically puncturing the packaging instead of manually unpacking, it eliminates the risk of sample contamination caused by manual operation. Simultaneously, it precisely controls the position and size of the puncture site, preventing excessive packaging damage that could lead to dairy leakage or sample loss. The coordinated design of the packaging breaking mechanism 18, the first gripping mechanism 16, and the testing mechanism 20 forms an automated "grip-packaging breaking-testing" process, significantly improving the continuity of the testing process and shortening sample pre-processing time. Furthermore, the standardized packaging breaking action ensures uniform puncture sites, providing conditions for the precise insertion of the testing electrodes in the subsequent testing mechanism 20. This avoids deviations in testing position caused by differences in manual unpacking methods, ensuring the consistency and reliability of test data and also accelerating the testing speed to some extent.
[0057] The packaging breaking mechanism 18 integrates flexible puncture technology and a visual positioning system, adaptively adjusting the breaking force and angle for different materials (such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and glass bottles) and different sizes of dairy packaging, enhancing system compatibility. In practical use, it can automatically sterilize the puncture site and the puncture components of the packaging breaking mechanism 18 after packaging breaking, preventing external contamination from affecting the test results. Simultaneously, the real-time data recording function of the packaging breaking location and status can be linked with the test data to form a traceability chain, further enhancing the full-process control capabilities of the smart workstation.
[0058] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the testing mechanism 20 includes a pH testing robot 201, which includes a testing electrode. The testing electrode is inserted into the dairy product to be tested through a puncture hole formed on the packaging of the dairy product to be tested by the packaging breaking mechanism 18, so as to detect the pH value of the dairy product to be tested.
[0059] The pH testing robot's design, with its detection electrode inserted into the dairy product through the puncture opening of the packaging breaking mechanism 18, achieves fully automated and precise testing. The pre-formed puncture opening in the breaking mechanism 18 prevents the detection electrode from directly contacting the outer surface of the packaging, avoiding damage and eliminating the risk of sample contamination from manual packaging breaking. The detection electrode is precisely positioned inside the dairy product through the puncture opening, ensuring consistent testing location and avoiding pH measurement errors caused by depth and angle deviations during manual sampling. Simultaneously, the coordinated design of the detection electrode and the packaging breaking mechanism 18 effectively reduces sample exposure time, preventing prolonged exposure to air from affecting the pH value and significantly improving data reliability and accuracy.
[0060] The pH detection robot 201 can interact with the control system in real time, synchronously transmit pH value detection data and associate it with sample information, providing data support for building a smart testing system with full traceability and promoting the upgrading of dairy product testing towards unmanned and intelligent directions.
[0061] According to one embodiment of this application, the detection mechanism 20 further includes an electrode auxiliary device for improving the detection accuracy of the detection electrode.
[0062] By setting up electrode auxiliary equipment, we can ensure that the detection electrodes are in good working condition during testing, and avoid deviations in dairy product test results due to the faults of the detection electrodes themselves.
[0063] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the electrode auxiliary equipment includes a calibration liquid stage 202, a cleaning module 203, and a blower module. The calibration liquid stage 202 is equipped with a potassium chloride solution for soaking the detection electrode, the cleaning module 203 is configured to clean the residual potassium chloride solution on the detection electrode, and the blower module is configured to dry the residual moisture on the detection electrode.
[0064] The electrode auxiliary equipment, through the collaborative design of the calibration liquid stage 202, cleaning module 203, and air blowing module, constructs a fully automated electrode maintenance system. The potassium chloride solution in the calibration liquid stage 202 accurately calibrates the detection electrode, eliminating systematic errors caused by electrode drift and ensuring the baseline accuracy of pH value detection. The cleaning module 203 removes residual potassium chloride solution from the electrode surface through spraying or ultrasonication, avoiding cross-contamination that could affect subsequent detection accuracy. The air blowing module uses a constant-temperature airflow to quickly dry the electrode, preventing detection position deviations or short circuit risks caused by residual moisture. The three components work together to form an automated "calibration-cleaning-drying" process, transforming the tedious traditional manual maintenance operations into an automated procedure, significantly improving detection efficiency and data reliability.
[0065] The cleaning module 203 can be an electrode cleaning tank. When not performing testing, the detection electrode is immersed in a potassium chloride solution in the calibration platform 202 for calibration. When testing is required, the detection electrode is first placed in the electrode cleaning tank to remove any residual potassium chloride solution. Then, the blower module uses compressed air to dry any remaining water droplets on the detection electrode.
[0066] It should be noted that the detection electrodes can be calibrated after the automated detection system has been operating for a certain period of time, or after each detection task has been completed. Of course, the cleaning module 203 can not only be used to clean residual potassium chloride solution from the detection electrodes, but also, after the detection electrodes have finished detecting emulsions, to clean residual dairy stains from the detection electrodes as needed.
[0067] In practical applications, electrode-assisted devices can be further integrated with intelligent diagnostic functions. By using sensors to monitor the performance parameters of the detection electrodes in real time, such as impedance and response time, the lifespan of the electrodes can be automatically determined and replacement warnings can be triggered, thus avoiding inaccurate detection caused by failure to replace electrodes in time due to aging.
[0068] According to one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the automatic detection system also includes a non-conforming product storage mechanism 22 and a second gripping mechanism 21 located downstream of the detection mechanism 20. The second gripping mechanism 21 is configured to grip dairy products that are detected as non-conforming by the detection mechanism 20 and transfer them to the non-conforming product storage mechanism 22.
[0069] The setup of the non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism 22 and the second gripping mechanism 21 enables automated sorting and isolation of non-conforming products during the testing process. Through the precise positioning and gripping of the second gripping mechanism 21, non-conforming dairy products determined by the testing agency 20 are automatically transferred to the temporary storage area (i.e., the non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism 22), avoiding sample contamination or confusion caused by manual contact and eliminating the risk of non-conforming products mixing with conforming products. The non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism 22 can classify and store different types of non-conforming dairy products according to preset rules, and, in conjunction with the information traceability system, records the testing data and location information of non-conforming products in real time, providing data support for quality traceability and anomaly analysis. Furthermore, the non-conforming product temporary storage mechanism 22 achieves an automated closed loop of "testing-sorting-temporary storage," avoiding process delays caused by non-conforming products remaining at the testing station and significantly improving testing efficiency.
[0070] According to one embodiment of this application, the initial identification mechanism 11 is a barcode scanning device, and / or the identification verification mechanism 15 is a 3D camera.
[0071] The initial identification unit 11 uses a barcode scanner (reader) to read the dairy product testing task (e.g., what kind of testing is required), product type, and product quantity. The verification unit 15 uses a 3D camera to identify information such as the type, quantity, and placement of the dairy products. Together, they form a multi-level sample information verification system. The barcode scanner quickly reads the dairy product testing task, product type, and product quantity on the container through optical scanning, achieving rapid collection of basic sample information and testing tasks. Compared with manual data entry, this significantly improves efficiency and effectively enhances the accuracy of information identification. The 3D camera uses structured light or binocular vision technology to acquire three-dimensional shape data of sample packaging. It can accurately detect visual anomalies such as packaging deformation, label misalignment, and sealing defects. Combined with the identified dairy product type, quantity, and placement information, it verifies the dairy product information in the bin. Dairy products that fail the 3D camera verification (e.g., the number of dairy products identified by the 3D camera is different from the number identified by the barcode scanner, or the type of dairy products identified by the 3D camera is different from the type of dairy products identified by the barcode scanner) are sent to 13 abnormal bin processing facilities for manual verification.
[0072] The barcode scanning device and the 3D camera work together (i.e., the preliminary identification mechanism 11 and the identification verification mechanism 15 work together) to form a dual verification mechanism of "information reading - visual verification", which avoids the problem of easy error in a single identification method and provides reliable sample access control rules for subsequent detection processes.
[0073] The barcode scanning device is compatible with multiple carriers such as barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags, and adapts to the packaging standards of different dairy brands. The 3D camera integrates deep learning algorithms, enabling it to automatically identify new packaging structures and update the detection model without manual parameter adjustments. Both the barcode scanning device and the 3D camera can interact with the control system in real time, binding and storing the scanned information with 3D morphological data to form a sample traceability file with three-dimensional images. This provides visualized data support for quality traceability and packaging process optimization, driving the upgrading of dairy product testing towards intelligence and digitalization.
[0074] An OCR reading device 17 can also be set between the packaging breaking mechanism 18 and the first gripping mechanism 16. The OCR reading device 17 further reads and records the production information of each dairy product (such as production date, production batch, production location, manufacturer, etc.) to facilitate more detailed traceability work.
[0075] A fence 27 can be installed outside the overall work area for safety protection. When the door on the fence 27 is opened, all mechanisms inside the fence 27 stop working; when the door on the fence 27 is closed, all mechanisms inside the fence 27 resume working.
[0076] After testing, the dairy products arrive at the milk packaging separation unit 24, where the milk is sucked into the waste milk recycling tank 23 using a vacuum negative pressure method. The waste milk can then be used as livestock feed, realizing a complete industrial chain layout. The separated packaging is recycled. Furthermore, any substandard dairy products detected are picked up by a second gripping mechanism 21 and transferred to the substandard product temporary storage unit 22. The second gripping mechanism 21 can be a gantry crane, a robotic arm, or a gripping robot.
[0077] The automatic detection system provided in this application can also be equipped with a control cabinet 25 for the first gripping mechanism 16, the second gripping mechanism 21, and the detection mechanism 20. The control cabinet 25 is centrally located next to the conveyor line for easy operation by personnel. The automatic detection system can also be equipped with a computer control panel 26, through which operators can issue tasks and control the automatic detection system to perform functions such as starting calibration and starting detection. During continuous operation, the waste milk recycling tank 23, pipelines, and robots can be cleaned daily.
[0078] According to a second aspect of this application, a smart pH value detection workstation includes a workstation body and the aforementioned automatic detection system; the automatic detection system is located in the workstation body.
[0079] The fully automated intelligent pH value testing workstation organically integrates modules such as identification and verification, grabbing and transportation, package breakage detection, and anomaly handling to form a compact and orderly testing process, significantly improving the space utilization rate within the workstation. The automatic testing system is embedded in the main body of the workstation, realizing physical linkage and data communication between various functional units, ensuring that the testing process operates in a closed and controllable environment, and reducing the impact of external interference on testing accuracy.
[0080] The main body of the workstation can integrate a human-machine interface and an environmental monitoring module to display the testing progress, equipment status and data curves in real time, facilitating remote operation and maintenance by operators. The main body of the workstation can adopt an intelligent energy management system, which can significantly improve the service life of each piece of equipment and reduce operating costs when the automatic testing system is performing testing. This provides dairy companies with an efficient and reliable intelligent testing solution and promotes the iterative upgrade of industry quality control technology.
[0081] The fully automated intelligent pH value testing workstation described in this application mainly involves the automatic detection of sample pH value content. The entire automated process can realize 19 functional modules, including automatic sample reception, automatic information interaction, 3D visual recognition, automatic unpacking, automatic hole opening, automatic equipment calibration, automatic pH value detection, automatic data uploading, abnormal alarm prompts, automatic electrode and detection chain cleaning, automatic basket return, automatic milk bag separation, automatic waste milk recycling, and automatic pipeline cleaning. Each of the 19 detection functions is designed independently by its own complete component module, which is independent yet complementary to each other to work together to form a complete detection process.
[0082] The fully automated intelligent pH testing workstation is equipped with 3D vision and multi-channel autonomous testing equipment. This workstation automatically interacts with both a WMS (Warehouse Management System) and a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), enabling fully automated testing from sample interaction to result upload and confirmation. After the sample is loaded into the frame, the WMS system controls the transport chain for automatic storage and temperature control, while also exchanging sample information with the LIMS system for task reception and automatic timing. Once the required temperature control time is met, the LIMS system autonomously issues the testing task back to the WMS system, which then transports the sample via AGV and transport chain to the pH automated testing workstation's signal interaction point for information exchange.
[0083] After receiving the inspection task, the automated testing workstation autonomously initiates the calibration program of the testing equipment. Once the pH meter calibration result is deemed satisfactory, the transport chain automatically starts rotating, transmitting sample information bound to the sampling frame number to the signal site for identification. The automated testing system receives the inspection task information and compares it with the 3D camera's image recognition result. Products with inconsistent information are removed from the frame for confirmation. After the sample information comparison is successful, an unpacking robot unpacks the samples and places them sequentially into the testing chain (or a gripping robot directly grabs samples from the material bin and places them sequentially into the testing chain). The testing chain continuously rotates forward, carrying samples... The products are sequentially counted by a light sensor, photographed and recorded by OCR to identify product package information, clamped by a clamping mechanism to facilitate precise hole drilling by the opening mechanism, and pH value detected by a multi-channel pH meter with results uploaded. Qualified products are pumped through pipelines to a waste liquid tank for centralized treatment by a waste liquid recovery device. Upon detection of unqualified products, the detection chain stops rotating and an alarm is triggered. The unqualified product displacement mechanism drives the keel clamp to pick up the unqualified product and transfer it to the unqualified product temporary storage chain for manual inspection. After the inspection, waste packages fall directly into the waste package recycling box for unified manual disposal.
[0084] The entire testing process monitors each package of product information and testing data in real time, thereby establishing a large-scale module operation information database. This information is then displayed in real time on the central control interface via digital twin, allowing testing personnel to monitor the operation and control the data without entering the laboratory. This provides resource support for the complete construction and operation of the smart, dark laboratory in the future.
[0085] The fully automated intelligent pH value testing workstation in this application can save on the significant costs associated with personnel required for testing and the expenses for initial personnel training. It can also completely avoid the ambiguity in test data caused by delays in equipment stability monitoring due to insufficient understanding of the testing equipment and testing principles by the testing personnel, thus ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the test data.
[0086] The fully automated intelligent pH testing workstation is used to test the pH value of various materials and types of packaged products. The entire testing process can be completed automatically without direct human intervention, including product warehousing, autonomous sample collection, product information monitoring, autonomous data verification and comparison, precise hole detection, waste liquid and waste packaging recycling, and equipment and pipeline cleaning. No training or supervision of personnel's pH testing capabilities is required, nor is it necessary for personnel to interpret the test results. The entire testing process, previously performed by human operators, is replaced by a testing robot and various testing instruments and modules. The robot, under PLC program control, leads and coordinates with the testing instruments and modules to complete the process. The fully automated intelligent pH testing workstation can test the pH content of various materials and types of products within an independent workstation to determine product quality. This eliminates the possibility of ambiguity in judgments due to limited human operating skills or differences in understanding of pH testing indicators, thus reducing labor costs associated with testing.
[0087] The fully automated intelligent pH testing workstation is used to test the pH value of different material types. The workstation is independently installed next to the product warehouse. Products are transported to the workstation via a conveyor chain by an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) robot controlled by the WMS system. The workstation handles autonomous sample reception, information exchange, 3D recognition verification, automatic equipment calibration and testing, and waste disposal. The multi-channel pH meter meets high-throughput testing needs, allowing for on-demand testing of products that have met the required insulation time, ensuring accurate test reports. It can automatically switch openings and testing positions according to the testing requirements of different packaging types.
[0088] Before each daily testing task begins, the testing equipment is autonomously calibrated by the program, and the calibration results are saved for verification at any time and automatically uploaded to the central control monitoring interface. The products to be tested are transferred via the Lims and WMS systems to the conveyor chain, where information is exchanged and the products collaborate with other robots and functional modules within the fully automated intelligent pH testing workstation to complete the testing task. The entire testing process minimizes human intervention to improve the accuracy and validity of the data. When the test results deviate from the standard data range, an alert is directly displayed on the central control screen and a signal is sent to the workstation monitoring personnel. After autonomous judgment, the test results are directly uploaded to the acquisition system. The entire transportation, interactive control, and collaborative testing process is visualized and monitored through a human-machine interface, perfectly realizing continuous testing by the automated testing workstation to improve testing efficiency.
[0089] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An automatic detection system, characterized in that, This includes a preliminary identification agency (11), an identification verification agency (15), and a testing agency (20). In the direction of conveying the dairy product to be tested, the preliminary identification mechanism (11) is located upstream of the identification verification mechanism (15), and the detection mechanism (20) is located downstream of the identification verification mechanism (15); The preliminary identification mechanism (11) is configured to acquire the first information of the dairy product to be tested; The identification verification mechanism (15) is configured to acquire second information of the dairy product to be tested and verify the correctness of the first information based on the second information; The testing organization (20) is configured to perform quality testing on the dairy products to be tested after the identification verification organization (15) has passed the verification.
2. The automatic detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first gripping mechanism (16) disposed between the identification verification mechanism (15) and the detection mechanism (20). The first gripping mechanism (16) is configured to grip the dairy product to be tested after it has been verified by the identification verification mechanism (15) and place it on the conveying line in front of the detection mechanism (20).
3. The automatic detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an empty bin recycling mechanism (14), which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism (16); On the conveying line in front of the first gripping mechanism (16), the dairy product to be tested is placed in the material box. After the first gripping mechanism (16) grabs the dairy product to be tested from the material box, the empty material box recycling mechanism (14) recycles the empty material box.
4. The automatic detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an abnormal material box processing mechanism (13), which is connected to the conveyor line in front of the first gripping mechanism (16); The abnormal material box processing mechanism (13) is configured to collect the dairy products to be tested that have failed the verification by the identification and verification mechanism (15).
5. The automatic detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a packaging breaking mechanism (18) disposed between the first gripping mechanism (16) and the detection mechanism (20), the packaging breaking mechanism (18) being configured to puncture the packaging of the dairy product to be tested.
6. The automatic detection system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (20) includes a pH detection robot (201), which includes a detection electrode. The detection electrode is inserted into the dairy product to be tested through a puncture hole formed on the packaging of the dairy product to be tested by the packaging breaking mechanism (18) to detect the pH value of the dairy product to be tested.
7. The automatic detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (20) also includes an electrode auxiliary device, which is used to improve the detection accuracy of the detection electrode.
8. The automatic detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrode auxiliary equipment includes a calibration liquid platform (202), a cleaning module (203), and a blower module; The calibration liquid stage (202) is provided with a potassium chloride solution for soaking the detection electrode, the cleaning module (203) is configured to clean the residual potassium chloride solution on the detection electrode, and the blowing module is configured to dry the residual moisture on the detection electrode.
9. The automatic detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a non-conforming product storage mechanism (22) and a second gripping mechanism (21) located downstream of the testing mechanism (20). The second gripping mechanism (21) is configured to grip dairy products that are detected as unqualified by the detection mechanism (20) and transfer them to the unqualified product storage mechanism (22).
10. The automatic detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The preliminary identification mechanism (11) is a barcode scanning device, and / or the identification verification mechanism (15) is a 3D camera.
11. A smart pH value detection workstation, characterized in that, Includes the workstation main body and the automatic detection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The automatic detection system is located in the main body of the workstation.