Food Portion Weight Profile Analysis for Stacking Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems struggle to automatically detect and correct incorrectly cut food portions, relying on manual visual inspection or additional equipment for quality assurance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a weighing device to record and evaluate the weight profile of food portions as they are conveyed onto and away from the device, allowing for the detection of incorrect stacking and cutting by comparing measured weight progressions with target values and tolerance limits, enabling automatic sorting and correction of faulty portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weighing devices are used to measure total weight only, then the weighing function is simple and reliable, but the ability to detect incorrect stacking and cutting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional total weight measurement to two-dimensional weight profile analysis by recording weight values at multiple positions along the conveyor direction. This dimensional expansion enables detection of stacking patterns and cutting accuracy while using the existing weighing device infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between enhanced detection capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous weight signal into discrete weight profiles corresponding to individual food portions. By dividing the weight measurement into portion-specific segments and analyzing each profile separately, the system achieves precise detection of stacking and cutting issues without requiring complex additional equipment for each portion.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors and image processing are used to check slice arrangement, then detection accuracy is high, but equipment costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing weighing device multi-functional by using it not only for total weight measurement but also for stacking pattern detection through weight profile analysis. This universal usage eliminates the need for separate optical sensing equipment while maintaining high detection accuracy, as the weight distribution pattern uniquely identifies stacking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical sensing system with a mechanical weighing-based detection system. Instead of using light and image processing, the system uses mechanical weight measurement at multiple positions to infer stacking patterns, achieving the same detection goal with simpler, more cost-effective equipment.
3Productivity
If manual visual inspection is used to identify incorrectly stacked portions, then no additional equipment is needed, but productivity decreases and quality consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the weighing device to perform self-diagnosis and automatic identification of incorrectly stacked portions through algorithmic analysis of weight profiles. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining high productivity, as the system automatically detects and flags defective portions without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by continuously monitoring weight profiles and comparing them against correct stacking patterns. When deviations are detected, the system provides immediate feedback for automatic sorting or correction, ensuring consistent quality standards are maintained at full production speed without manual inspection bottlenecks.
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
This approach enhances quality assurance by automatically identifying and correcting incorrectly cut or stacked food portions, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent product quality without additional personnel or equipment costs, while preventing packaging issues and disruptions in the production line.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a weight profile by means of the weighing device when conveying the food portion up and/or away
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for weighing a food portion (3), comprising the following process steps: - conveying a food portion (3) from a first conveying means (5) onto a downstream weighing device (7) and/or conveying a food portion (3) from the weighing device (7) onto a second, downstream conveying means (13), - recording a weight profile (G) by means of the weighing device (7) during the conveying and/or conveying of the food portion (3), - evaluating the recorded weight profile (G) by means of an electronic evaluation unit (23).