Peeling System Control via Virtual Model Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current peeling systems face challenges in minimizing good product loss while maximizing peel removal, are inefficient due to downtime and energy wastage, and rely on visual inspections for quality control, leading to variable product quality and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A real-time monitoring and control system using sensors to simulate the peeling process in a virtual model, adjusting control parameters to match desired outputs, and applying these adjustments to the physical system to optimize peeling efficiency and minimize downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual inspection is used to detect peel quality deterioration, then quality control is achieved, but system downtime increases and energy wastage occurs due to stop/start processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeel quality controlVSAvoidsystem downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual inspection methods (mechanical/manual observation) with optical sensing systems including cameras and light sources that automatically detect peel quality. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without stopping the peeling process, eliminating the need for manual inspection pauses and maintaining constant production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensor data about peel quality is continuously fed back to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of quality deterioration and automatic adjustment of peeling parameters, allowing the system to maintain quality standards without interruption and prevent the need for stop/start operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If visual inspection is used to detect peel quality deterioration, then quality control is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to stop/start processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeel quality controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive stop/start operations with continuous optical monitoring and automated control. By using cameras and sensors to detect quality issues in real-time, the system maintains steady-state operation, avoiding the energy wastage associated with heating and cooling cycles during process interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation of the peeling process by implementing real-time quality monitoring and control. The useful action of peeling continues uninterrupted, with automated adjustments made to maintain quality standards, thereby eliminating the energy consumption associated with stopping and restarting the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If peeling aggressiveness is increased to maximize peel removal, then peel removal efficiency improves, but good product loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeel removal efficiencyVSAvoidgood product loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of peeling aggressiveness parameters based on real-time feedback from quality sensors. The system continuously adapts peeling intensity to match actual peel conditions, applying higher aggressiveness when needed for complete removal and reducing it when sufficient peeling is achieved, thereby maximizing efficiency while minimizing good product loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes real-time changes in process parameters (such as peeling speed, pressure, or abrasion intensity) based on sensor feedback. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system optimizes peel removal efficiency for each specific condition while preventing excessive peeling that would result in good product loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If peeling aggressiveness is increased to maximize peel removal, then peel removal efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeel removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of peeling aggressiveness parameters based on real-time feedback from quality sensors. The system continuously adapts peeling intensity to match actual peel conditions, applying higher aggressiveness when needed for complete removal and reducing it when sufficient peeling is achieved, thereby maximizing efficiency while minimizing good product loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes real-time changes in process parameters (such as peeling speed, pressure, or abrasion intensity) based on sensor feedback. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system optimizes peel removal efficiency for each specific condition while preventing excessive peeling that would result in good product loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4305971A1Control of a peeling system
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 TOMRA SORTING LTD
  • EP4305971A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4305971A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4305971A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling a peeling system is provided comprising monitoring at least one sensor configured to detect data indicating a characteristic of a flow of a peelable product through the system; providing the data to a virtual model of the peeling system; adjusting the operation of the peeling system based on an output of the virtual model.