Conveyor Fall Detection Layout for Hygienic Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination weighing apparatuses with photoelectric sensors disposed above the trough are prone to hygiene deterioration and contamination with foreign matter, especially when handling perishables like raw chicken.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus design with a detector positioned below the conveyor, utilizing light emitted between the conveyor and a driver, and a fixed member allowing light travel, inhibits contamination and maintains hygiene by observing article fall without exposing the detector to conveyed items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the photoelectric sensor is disposed above the trough to observe article fall, then the detection function is achieved, but hygiene deterioration and contamination with foreign matter occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sensor arrangement by positioning the photoelectric sensor below the conveyance face instead of above it. The sensor detects articles falling from the conveyor by observing them pass through the conveyance face from below, eliminating direct exposure to conveyed items while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of sensor placement from above (vertical dimension) to below (opposite vertical dimension) the conveyance face. This dimensional inversion allows the sensor to observe article fall through the conveyance face without being exposed to the articles during conveyance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the detector is positioned below the conveyor to prevent contamination, then hygiene is maintained, but the detection of article fall must be achieved through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric sensor positioned below the conveyance face serves multiple functions: it detects articles falling from the conveyor, monitors the conveyance process, and maintains hygiene by not contacting conveyed items. This single positioning achieves multiple objectives without requiring additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance face acts as an intermediary through which light from the below-positioned sensor can detect falling articles. The sensor observes articles through the conveyance face rather than directly contacting them, using the face as a mediation plane for detection while maintaining separation
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 design effectively prevents contamination and maintains hygiene by allowing detection of article fall without direct exposure to conveyed items, enhancing cleanliness and reducing foreign matter intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
the detector (40) detects the article dropped from the conveyor (20), based on light emitted between the conveyor (20) and the driver (30)
Implementation Method 2
the fixed member (70) has a travel space (71) through which the light travels
Data Source
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AI summary
In a conveying apparatus according to the present invention, the distributor (10) distributes articles from outside; the conveyor (20) receives an article from among the articles distributed by the distributor (10) and convey the article downstream; the driver (30) drives the conveyor (20); the detector (40) is disposed below a conveyance face of the distributor (10) or a conveyance face of the conveyor (20); and the detector (40) detects the article dropped from the conveyor (20), based on light emitted between the conveyor (20) and the driver (30).