Optical Gap Detection for Contiguous Fruit Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fruit and vegetable counting devices in combination weighing machines are unable to accurately count pieces of fruit when they are in a contiguous line, leading to counting errors due to the lack of separation between fruits, and retention devices can damage larger pieces with uneven contact.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a steady beam of light to detect signal variations from the gaps between contiguous spheroidal elements, combined with retention means that gently stop the first element in the line, allowing the line to advance and count the elements accurately, and a gripper with flexible fingers to adapt to the contour of the elements for precise retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photoelectric cells are used to count fruit pieces, then counting can be performed, but counting errors occur when fruit pieces are in a contiguous line without separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (mechanical counting device with switches or photoelectric cells positioned to detect gaps) that detects the gap between contiguous fruit pieces rather than the pieces themselves. This intermediary detection method allows accurate counting of contiguous objects by sensing the spaces between them, resolving the contradiction between maintaining contiguity for productivity and enabling accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical counting methods with optical detection systems (photoelectric cells) that can detect the presence or absence of gaps between fruit pieces. This substitution allows for non-contact, high-speed counting while maintaining accuracy even when fruit pieces are touching, as the optical system detects the gap rather than requiring physical separation.
2Measurement precision
If retention means are used to stop fruit pieces, then counting can be performed, but larger pieces may be damaged by uneven contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of contact distribution by using multiple contact points or a distributed retention mechanism rather than concentrated contact. This allows the retention means to gently hold fruit pieces through distributed, even contact pressure, preventing damage to larger pieces while still enabling accurate counting through the retention and detection process.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical counting switches are used, then counting can be performed, but the device complexity increases and may damage fruit pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical counting switches with simpler optical detection systems (photoelectric cells) that use light beams to detect fruit pieces or gaps. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating moving mechanical parts while maintaining counting accuracy, and reduces the risk of fruit damage by using non-contact optical detection.
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 and reliable counting of contiguous elements in a line without damage, ensuring the correct number of fruits is supplied to a bucket, improving counting speed and precision compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
counting, by means of the emission and detection of a steady beam of light, the signal variations produced in said detection by the advance of the line, specifically by the passage of the spaces between two consecutive elements in the line through the detection beam
Implementation Method 2
a gripper with flexible fingers to adapt to the contour of the elements for precise retention
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a predetermined number of contiguous stored elements (A,B,C,D,E,F,G), that is which are touching each other, and in a line (2) in a supply chute (3) along which the line (2) may advance, these elements being essentially spheroidal, such as fruit, wherein initially the first element (A) in the line (2) is retained by retention means (4), comprising the operation of counting, by means of the emission and detection of a steady beam (6) of light, the signal variations produced in said detection by the line (2) advancing, specifically by the passage of the spaces between two consecutive elements in the line (2) through the detection beam (6), aiming the beam (6) at the gaps (7) that necessarily will be formed in the line (2) between two consecutive elements even if they are contiguous, due to the effect of said elements (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) being spheroidal.