Grading Device Feedback Correction for Sensitive Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grading systems for small and delicate objects, such as marine species and fruits, face challenges in efficiently processing large quantities while maintaining object quality due to size and handling issues, and struggle to accurately adjust the gap between grading components during operation.
Innovation Solution
A grading device with continuously running ridge-belts and imaging technology that adjusts the gap between belts using feedback from industrial computers to correct grading errors, utilizing multiple conveyors and sorting units to ensure accurate sorting and handling of objects based on size, weight, or species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional grading devices with belts and rollers are used to process large quantities of objects, then processing speed increases, but object quality deteriorates due to rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical grading systems with a vision-based grading system that uses imaging devices (cameras) and computer vision algorithms to detect object characteristics and control grading. This substitution eliminates rough mechanical handling while maintaining high processing speeds through automated optical detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of objects using imaging devices to determine their characteristics for grading. Instead of relying solely on physical contact and mechanical measurement, the system captures visual information to identify objects and direct them to appropriate grading compartments, thereby avoiding damage from rough handling.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gap between ridge belts is fixed to grade objects accurately, then grading precision is maintained, but adaptability to different object distributions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable gap mechanisms between ridge belts that can be dynamically modified during operation. The gap distance between adjacent belts can be changed to accommodate different object sizes and distributions, allowing the system to adapt to varying grading requirements while maintaining accurate grading through controlled belt positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of grading parameters including gap distance, belt speed, and grading thresholds during operation. These parameter changes enable the grading system to adapt to different object distributions and species compositions without sacrificing grading accuracy, as the control system adjusts parameters based on detected object characteristics.
3Productivity
If imaging and image processing speed is increased to handle high throughput, then processing capacity improves, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous imaging and processing throughout the grading process, with multiple imaging devices positioned along the conveyor path. Objects are imaged continuously as they move through the grading zone, allowing real-time detection and processing without interruption. This continuous action maintains both high throughput and precision by eliminating gaps in data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and preliminary sorting decisions before objects reach the final grading point. Imaging devices capture object characteristics early in the process, allowing the control system to pre-determine grading decisions and prepare sorting mechanisms in advance, thereby maintaining high speed while ensuring accurate measurement through multiple verification opportunities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for grading sensitive products. The apparatus and a method treat the objects to be graded gently and is accurate and may be constructed so as to handle extremely large quantities. The grading device (1) has grading channels that are wider at the outlet than at the intake. A belt machine draws the objects forward between two inclined belts (6) which form the channel. The device and the method make possible to make corrections in the grading process and to fine-tune the grading unit during the grading process.