Conveyor Item Weight Determination Using Load Cell Array and Scan Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight determining technologies on conveyor systems are limited in accurately measuring individual item weights when items are arranged in non-singulated and non-spaced configurations, leading to incorrect weight determinations and revenue loss due to the need for costly manual intervention or sacrifice of weight measurement capability to meet processing times.
Innovation Solution
A weight determining system comprising an array of load cells and a scanning apparatus, with processors that collect and allocate load data to determine individual item weights regardless of their arrangement, using scan data to apportion load data accurately across multiple load cells and conveyor speed data to optimize weight determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If items are arranged in non-singulated and non-spaced configurations on the conveyor, then processing speed and productivity are improved, but weight measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the weight measurement process by assigning individual load cells to specific items based on scan data. Each load cell's measurement is allocated to a specific item identifier, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple items in non-singulated arrangements without cross-contamination of weight data.
Solution Approach 2:
Scan data serves as an intermediary that links physical load cell measurements to specific item identifiers. The scanning apparatus captures item positions and arrangements, and this scan data is used by the processor to correctly allocate load data from multiple load cells to individual items, enabling accurate weighing in high-speed non-spaced configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple items are measured simultaneously on the scale, then productivity increases, but the ability to distinguish individual item weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement data by using scan data to identify and separate load contributions from multiple items. The processor allocates load data from each load cell to specific item identifiers, ensuring that even when multiple items are measured simultaneously, their individual weight information is preserved and distinguished.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of item identification by using scan data to capture unique item characteristics and positions. This allows the processor to differentiate between multiple items based on their spatial arrangement and assign load measurements to the correct item identifiers, maintaining individual item weight distinction during simultaneous measurement.
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
Enables accurate determination of individual item weights in non-singulated and non-spaced arrangements without the need for manual rearrangement, enhancing revenue recovery by ensuring accurate customer invoicing and streamlining conveyor operations.
Implementation Method 1
an array of load cells... Each of the load cells is configured to: (i) bear one or more of the items; and (ii) generate load data associated with the aforesaid one or more of the items
Data Source
AI summary
A weight determining system is for use with non-singulated and non-spaced arrangements of items on a conveyor system. The system includes an array of load cells, a scanning apparatus, and processors. Each of the items bears upon one or more of the load cells. Each of the load cells bears one or more of the items, and generates load data associated with them. The scanning apparatus generates scan data for the arrangements of the items on the conveyor. Based on the scan data, the processors: apportion the load data from each load cell to the items bearing on it; allocate to each item the load data apportioned from the various load cells; and determine a weight for each item. Also disclosed are a corresponding weight determining method, as well as a computer readable medium containing executable instructions to encode the processors to perform as aforesaid.