Optical Sensor Dispensing Device for Food Ingredient Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual dispensing of ingredients in food mixture preparation, such as doughs for bread, pizza, and pasta, often lacks accuracy and efficiency, particularly in semiautomatic processes where all ingredients are handled by operators, leading to potential errors in ingredient recognition and dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device equipped with an optical sensor and control unit that performs a preliminary check on the loaded ingredient, using signals to control a valve system to ensure only the correct ingredient is dispensed, and optionally includes weighing and color detection for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual dispensing is used by an operator, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of ingredient identification is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of the ingredient's optical parameters (such as color) before the dispensing operation. The control unit compares the detected parameters with reference values stored in memory to verify ingredient identity, preventing errors before they occur in the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical sensor is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the ingredient. The sensor detects optical parameters and transmits this information to the control unit, which then verifies whether the ingredient matches the required type before allowing dispensing to proceed.
2Reliability
If optical sensor and control unit are added to verify ingredient type, then the reliability of dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing the detected optical parameters with reference values stored in its own memory. The control unit independently determines whether the ingredient is correct without requiring external verification systems, making the added complexity self-contained.
3Reliability
If preliminary check on ingredient type is performed, then the productivity is improved by preventing errors, but the time for dispensing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual inspection performed by the operator is replaced with an optical detection system. The optical sensor rapidly measures physical parameters (such as color) and the control unit quickly compares these with reference values, providing automated verification that is both reliable and time-efficient.
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
The device enhances the accuracy and efficiency of ingredient dispensing by ensuring only the intended ingredient is dispensed, reducing operator errors and improving process reliability in both semiautomatic and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (12) designed to detect an optical parameter of the ingredient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
Described herein is a device for dispensing an ingredient in the context of a process of preparation of a mixture for making a food product. The device comprises: - a structure (2, 22) for loading the ingredient; - control means (6, 24) for controlling the flow of the ingredient from the loading structure to a structure for receiving the ingredient; - an optical sensor (12) in the range of visible light, designed to detect an optical parameter of the aforesaid ingredient; and - a control unit (100) configured for governing the aforesaid control means on the basis of the signal received from the aforesaid sensor.