Angled Sensor Measuring Path for Fruit Dimension Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sorting devices face challenges in accurately measuring products with varying dimensions, particularly non-round fruits like pears, due to the influence of product orientation on measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a sensor system that moves in a transport direction, using a transmitter and receivers arranged at an angle to the transport direction, allowing for measurements over a distance along the product, thereby reducing orientation dependence and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single measurement point is used in conventional systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates for products with varying dimensions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple measurement points arranged along a measuring path. Instead of using a single measurement point, the patent employs multiple transmitters and receivers positioned at different locations to perform measurements at multiple points along the product, thereby improving measurement precision for products with varying dimensions and orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-point measurement approach by adding spatial dimensions to the measurement system. The measuring path is arranged at an angle to the transport direction, creating a two-dimensional measurement grid that captures product features across different orientations and positions
2Measurement precision
If the measuring path is arranged parallel to the transport direction, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision deteriorates for non-round products due to orientation dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring path is deliberately arranged at an angle (not parallel or perpendicular) to the transport direction, creating an asymmetric measurement configuration. This angular arrangement allows the measurement system to capture product features across different orientations, reducing dependence on product orientation and improving measurement reliability for non-round products
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to dynamically adapt to products of varying sizes and shapes by performing measurements at multiple points along an angled measuring path. This dynamic measurement approach allows the system to capture relevant product features regardless of the specific product orientation or dimensions
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
The solution provides a robust and flexible measurement system capable of accurately assessing product features over a distance, enhancing measurement reliability and speed, and increasing the capacity of sorting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is particularly suitable for transmitting infrared, visible light, UV radiation and/or X-radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring products, such as fruits including vegetables and fruit, sorting system provided therewith, and method therefor. The measuring device according to the invention comprises: - a frame provided with a number of movable fruit carriers on which or between which products can be placed for carrying and with which the products can be moved in a transport direction; and a sensor configured to perform a measurement or series of measurements on the products on or between the fruit carriers, wherein at least parts of the sensor are configured to enable the sensor to perform measurements over a measuring path, and wherein the measuring path is arranged at an angle to the transport direction so that a measurement can be performed over a distance over the product.