Portable Fruit Inspection Equipment Using Inclined Gravity Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fruit and vegetable sorting systems are large, immobile, and costly, making it impractical to transport them to the field for on-site sorting during harvesting. These systems require external motorization and power sources, limiting their mobility and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, mobile equipment that uses an inclined plane to rotate products under data collection sensors, eliminating the need for external motorization and power sources. This equipment allows for the inspection, characterization, and classification of fruits and vegetables in the field, enabling real-time data collection and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sorting systems are used, then sorting accuracy is improved, but mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional sorting system into separate functional modules: data collection sensors, processing unit, and communication device. Each module can be independently optimized and deployed, allowing the system to maintain sorting accuracy while reducing overall system weight and improving mobility for field deployment.
2Productivity
If traditional sorting systems are used, then sorting functionality is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting data from various sensors, processing images, analyzing spectral information, and communicating results. This multi-functional design maintains comprehensive sorting functionality while reducing the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Loss of information
If traditional sorting systems are used, then data collection capability is improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic scanning and sampling of fruit characteristics rather than continuous monitoring. The sensors collect data at specific intervals as fruit pass through the sorting area, which maintains comprehensive data collection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 portable equipment enables efficient, real-time inspection and classification of fruits and vegetables in the field, reducing operational costs and improving harvesting efficiency. It allows for traceability from harvest to consumer, enabling better quality control and customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
the passage zone is inclined at an angle so that the product parts are rotated from the entrance to the exit by the effect of gravity on a product in an inclined plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A mobile equipment and a method of inspection and grading of product for fruits and vegetables, in field or greenhouse by means of cameras and/or optical sensors and/or other type of product characteristic data collection sensors, comprising: a product inlet (E) and a product outlet (S) at an adjustable height (h), defining between them a zone configured for the passage (1) of a plurality of pieces of produce (F); inspection means (2) comprising at least one camera whose measuring field overlaps with at least a part of the passage zone (1) of a plurality of pieces of produce (F); and wherein the passage zone (1) is inclined an angle (α) such that the product pieces (F) are transferred rotating from the inlet (E) to the outlet (S) by the effect of gravity on a product in an inclined plane.