Agricultural Sorting Device with Overturning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sorting machines for agricultural products like potatoes, onions, and carrots cannot differentiate between similar bulbs using infrared cameras or ultraviolet lighting, requiring manual sorting which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device equipped with an image acquisition unit, image processing unit, decision unit, and separation unit that analyzes the visual appearance of products, using a convolutional neural network to identify and categorize them, and includes a mechanism to turn products for comprehensive image capture and a separation unit with deployable fingers for precise sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared cameras or ultraviolet lighting are used to identify foreign bodies, then foreign body detection capability is improved, but ability to differentiate between similar bulbs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from infrared/ultraviolet radiation to visible light imaging with controlled illumination. By using multiple light sources at different positions and angles, the system captures images under varying lighting conditions, enabling differentiation of similar bulbs based on their visual appearance characteristics while still detecting foreign bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system with multiple light sources positioned at specific angles (45°, 135°, etc.) around the product conveyance path. This intermediary visual capture system mediates between the detection need and the differentiation requirement, allowing both foreign body identification and bulb variety classification through image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If manual sorting is used to sort bulbs together, then sorting precision is improved, but processing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sorting system with an automated optical-mechanical system. Image acquisition units capture bulb characteristics, processing units analyze the images to identify bulbs requiring sorting, and separation units with adjustable fingers automatically divert selected bulbs. This substitution maintains high sorting precision while dramatically increasing processing speed and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated sorting where the machine autonomously performs detection, analysis, and separation without human intervention. The control unit automatically processes images, identifies bulbs meeting sorting criteria, and triggers separation mechanisms, allowing continuous high-speed operation with precision comparable to or exceeding manual sorting.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis is performed before separation, then sorting accuracy is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring images of bulbs upstream before they reach the separation point. Multiple light sources illuminate bulbs at various angles as they move along the conveyance path, capturing comprehensive visual data in advance. The processing unit analyzes these pre-acquired images and prepares separation commands before the bulbs arrive at the separation units, eliminating time delays and maintaining high sorting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by performing image acquisition, analysis, and separation preparation in continuous parallel operation. While bulbs are being conveyed and imaged, the processing unit continuously analyzes images and generates separation commands without interruption. This continuous workflow eliminates idle time and ensures that sorting decisions are made and executed without time delays, maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting device for sorting agricultural products coming from a bulk flow and a corresponding method are described. A sorting device includes an image acquisition unit; an image processing unit configured to identify and analyze each product in the bulk flow; a decision unit configured to determine the products to be separated; a separation unit arranged to separate at least some of the products coming from the bulk flow; and a unit for conveying the agricultural products in the form of bulk flow. The sorting device may further include means for turning over the agricultural products on themselves, mounted in the conveying unit facing the image acquisition unit, and configured to allow an exposure to the image acquisition unit, of the different parts of the conveyed agricultural products.