Camera-Based Combination Weighing for Feeder Stagnation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination weighing apparatuses suffer from oversupply and undersupply issues due to article stagnation on radiation feeders, particularly with items like chicken thighs, as they rely on load sensors to control distribution based on mass on the distribution table.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing apparatus incorporating a distribution unit, radiation feeders, a camera, and a controller that adjusts article supply based on captured images to manage stagnation and distribution, using predetermined proportions and conveyor adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If article supply is controlled based on load sensor output detecting mass on distribution table, then distribution control is simplified, but article stagnation on radiation feeders causes oversupply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera-based feedback system that captures images of articles on radiation feeders and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts article supply based on both load sensor data and visual detection of article positions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents oversupply caused by stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary device between the distribution table and the control system. It provides visual information about article stagnation on radiation feeders, enabling the control unit to make informed decisions about supply adjustment without directly interfering with the mechanical distribution process.
2Productivity
If articles are supplied continuously to keep distribution table free, then distribution efficiency is improved, but article stagnation on radiation feeders causes oversupply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of article supply by continuously monitoring article positions on radiation feeders through camera imaging. The control unit dynamically adjusts supply rates based on real-time conditions, increasing supply when feeders are clear and reducing supply when stagnation is detected, thereby optimizing both productivity and preventing oversupply.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera-based detection system provides continuous feedback on article positions and movement status on radiation feeders. This feedback enables the control unit to dynamically regulate supply rates, maintaining high productivity while preventing oversupply by responding to actual feeder conditions rather than operating with fixed supply rates.
3Quantity of substance
If camera-based detection is added to monitor article positions on radiation feeders, then oversupply is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as a non-intrusive intermediary that provides visual information about article positions without physically interfering with the distribution process. This allows for accurate detection of stagnation and control of supply quantity while adding minimal structural complexity compared to direct mechanical sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces or supplements mechanical sensing methods with optical detection using a camera. This substitution enables non-contact detection of article positions and stagnation conditions, reducing mechanical complexity while improving the accuracy of supply quantity control based on actual feeder conditions.
4Loss of time
If load sensor-based control is used, then response time is fast, but detection precision of article stagnation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines fast load sensor feedback with camera-based visual feedback to create a multi-layered detection system. The load sensor provides immediate response to mass changes while the camera provides precise detection of article stagnation conditions, together enabling both fast response and high measurement precision in controlling article supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges load sensor detection with camera-based visual detection into a unified control system. This combination allows the system to leverage the fast response of load sensors for immediate supply adjustments while using camera imagery for precise detection of stagnation conditions, achieving both speed and accuracy in supply quantity control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus (1) according to an embodiment includes: a distribution unit (2) that radially distributes articles (M) supplied from an external apparatus (100); a plurality of radiation feeders (31, 32, 3n) that conveys the articles (M) conveyed from the distribution unit (2) in a direction away from the distribution unit (2); a camera (20) that captures a region where the articles (M) are conveyed on the radiation feeders (31, 32, 3n); and a controller (4) that controls supply of the articles (M) by the external apparatus (100) on a basis of an image captured by the camera (20).