Non-destructive Juice Content Determination via Density Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining juice content in fruits, such as citrus fruits, are destructive and not suitable for industrial-scale use, while existing non-destructive methods do not accurately measure juice content.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly using scanning and weighing means, combined with a computer system, to estimate fruit volume and weight, calculate density, and compare with reference data for non-destructive juice content determination, enabling classification based on juice percentage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive methods are used to determine juice content, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is worsened due to fruit destruction and inability to scale industrially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical extraction methods with non-destructive optical scanning and weighing systems. The assembly uses optical sensors to scan fruit surfaces and capture images, combined with weight measurements, to calculate juice content without physically damaging the fruit. This substitution enables continuous industrial processing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference data as an intermediary element. By establishing relationships between external fruit characteristics (scanned by optical sensors) and internal juice content through reference samples, the system can predict juice content of unknown fruits without destructive testing. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between non-invasive measurement and accurate juice content determination.
2Productivity
If existing non-destructive image analysis apparatuses are used, then productivity is improved through non-destructive measurement, but measurement precision is worsened as they do not measure juice content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the functionality of optical scanning systems by integrating multiple measurement capabilities. The same optical sensors and imaging system used for general fruit inspection are also employed to determine juice content when combined with weight data and reference relationships. This multi-functional approach allows a single non-destructive system to perform both quality inspection and juice content measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct internal measurement to indirect external parameter correlation. Instead of attempting to measure juice content directly through non-destructive means, the system measures external parameters (fruit dimensions, surface characteristics, weight) and correlates them with juice content using reference data. This parameter transformation enables accurate juice content estimation without internal probing.
3Measurement precision
If complex measurement systems are implemented to achieve precise juice content determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into distinct functional modules: optical scanning subsystem, weighing subsystem, reference data management subsystem, and calculation subsystem. Each module performs a specific function, and they are integrated through a control unit. This segmentation allows for easier implementation, maintenance, and calibration while achieving accurate juice content determination through the coordinated operation of relatively simple individual components.
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 precise, non-destructive juice content determination and classification of fruits, minimizing waste and facilitating easy implementation on existing processing lines.
Implementation Method 1
apparatuses for the non-destructive measurement of dimensional characteristics of fruits in general by means of image analysis
Implementation Method 2
weighing means (30), for example a load cell
Implementation Method 3
calculating, based on the first data, the density of the at least one juice fruit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for the non-destructive determination of the juice content of at least one juice fruit, comprising at least the following steps: collecting first data relating to the estimated volume (VsF) and to the actual weight (PrF) of the at least one juice fruit (F); collecting at least one first plurality of pairs of reference data (Dr1, %r1; Dr2, %r2; Dr3, %r3...) for the at least one juice fruit; calculating, based on these first data (VsF, PrF), the density (DcF) of the at least one juice fruit (F); processing, based on the at least one first plurality (52) of pairs of reference data (Dr1, %r1; Dr2, %r2; Dr3, %r3...) and said calculated density value (DcF), a value relating to an amount of an estimated amount of juice (%sF) for the at least one juice fruit (F).