Corrugated Cardboard Sheet Quantity Estimation Using Drive Force

The patent replaces expensive photoelectric sensors with inexpensive existing sensors (such as proximity sensors or simple optical sensors) that can adequately perform the quantity sensing function. The system uses multiple low-cost sensors arranged to detect the presence and quantity of cardboard sheets through their edges, rather than relying on a single expensive high-precision sensor.

The patent divides the quantity detection function into multiple simple sensing points rather than using one complex sensor. By arranging multiple sensors to detect individual sheet edges or positions, the system achieves accurate total quantity measurement through cumulative detection, replacing the need for a single expensive photoelectric sensor.

The detection system is segmented into multiple simple sensors positioned at different locations to detect sheet edges or positions. Each sensor performs a simple presence/position detection, and the control unit aggregates these simple signals to calculate total quantity, avoiding the need for complex single-sensor systems.

The patent uses sensors that can serve multiple functions: detecting the presence of sheets, determining sheet positions, and enabling quantity calculation. The same sensor system supports both quantity estimation and potential other detection needs, reducing overall system complexity compared to specialized high-precision photoelectric sensors.