Fruit Orientation Recognition via Laser Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fruit orientation systems do not guarantee that the central axis of symmetry of fruits is positioned vertically, leading to imperfect cuts and inefficient fruit processing, particularly in operations like coring where precise orientation is not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize distance measurement, preferably with laser gauges, to determine if the central axis of symmetry is vertically aligned by comparing distances to concave and convex parts of the fruit, with incorrectly oriented fruits being removed from the processing line using an articulated withdrawing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic orientation operation is performed using orienting elements in recesses, then fruit positioning is automated, but the central axis of symmetry of the fruit is not guaranteed to be positioned vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical orienting system with an optical measurement system (laser distance meters) that detects fruit orientation and controls removal mechanisms, substituting mechanical sensing with optical sensing to achieve more precise vertical axis positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses laser distance meters to continuously measure the position of fruit relative to the conveyor, providing feedback that controls the articulated withdrawing mechanism to remove incorrectly oriented fruit, ensuring only vertically aligned fruit proceed to processing
2Productivity
If all fruits are processed without orientation verification, then processing speed is maintained, but cut quality and processing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs orientation verification and removal of incorrectly positioned fruit before the cutting or coring operation, ensuring that only properly oriented fruit enter the processing stage, thereby guaranteeing cut quality without compromising overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated withdrawing mechanism extracts and removes only the incorrectly oriented fruit from the conveyor stream, allowing correctly oriented fruit to continue uninterrupted to the processing station, maintaining high throughput while ensuring quality
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
Ensures that only correctly oriented fruits proceed to the cutting or coring station, improving the accuracy and efficiency of fruit processing by ensuring the central axis of symmetry is vertically aligned, thereby enhancing the quality of cuts and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
it being possible for a laser distance meter to be used in order to measure the distance of the fruit
Data Source
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AI summary
A process for recognizing the orientation of a fruit (F), having a central axis of symmetry passing through the concave parts of the fruit (F), comprises an initial measurement step in which the measuring instrument measures its distance from the sample fruit (Fo), an individual measurement step of each fruit (F) to be treated travelling on the fruit multiple lanes tape (7), a comparison step in which the distance measured in the individual measurement step of each fruit (F) to be treated is compared with the distances measured in the initial measurement step of the sample fruit (Fo), in order to assess whether the distance measured in the individual measurement step is that one of a concave part of the fruit (F) or that one of a convex part of the fruit (F), and a check step that determines that the fruit (F) is correctly oriented or not. An apparatus that embodies this method is also described.