Potato Sorting Fluorescence Detection Single Laser Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing potato sorting systems require multiple laser sources with different wavelengths and complex alignment, leading to high data processing demands and inability to detect certain flaws like solanine effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using a single beam of light to detect flaws and solanine in potato products by analyzing fluorescence in specific wavelength bands, with a background element to enhance detection accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple laser sources with different wavelengths are used to detect various flaws, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and data processing demand increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single laser source that serves multiple detection functions by detecting different fluorescence emissions from the same excitation source. The single laser beam excites both solanine (producing green fluorescence) and other potato components, allowing one device to detect multiple types of flaws without requiring separate laser sources for each wavelength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated system. Instead of having separate laser sources and detection systems for different wavelengths, the invention merges the detection of solanine and other flaws into one unified fluorescence detection system using a single laser source, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple laser sources with different wavelengths are used, then various flaws can be detected, but the alignment precision and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflaw detection accuracyVSAvoidalignment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source performs multiple detection tasks simultaneously. The same laser beam detects both solanine fluorescence and other potato product flaws, eliminating the need for complex alignment between multiple laser sources while maintaining comprehensive detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single beam of light is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the detection precision for certain flaws like solanine may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsolanine detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent detects solanine by identifying its characteristic green fluorescence emission when excited by the laser. The detection system analyzes the specific wavelength and intensity of the fluorescence signal to distinguish solanine from other potato components, achieving accurate solanine detection with a single laser source through spectral analysis rather than requiring multiple wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Measurement precision

If multiple detectors and diaphragms are provided for different wavelengths, then comprehensive flaw detection is achieved, but the data processing load increases hugely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive detectionVSAvoiddata processing demand
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single detector system processes fluorescence signals from a single laser source, significantly reducing the data processing load compared to multiple detectors handling multiple wavelengths. The system achieves comprehensive detection by analyzing the fluorescence spectrum and intensity patterns from the unified detection channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 detection of flaws and solanine with a high degree of precision using a single light source, reducing system complexity and improving sorting accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the presence of glycoalkaloid, in particular of solanine, in said potato products is detected by detecting fluorescence, resulting from the incidence of said beam of light on the products in a red light spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

The background element will hereby emit light having a wave length which corresponds to said detection band when said beam of light strikes the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2910314B1Method for sorting potato products and sorting apparatus for potato products
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 TOMRA SORTING NV
  • EP2910314B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2910314B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2910314B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

A method and a device for detecting the presence of glycoalkaloid, in particular solanine, in a product flow of potato products by making a beam of light with a wave length situated in a band of 350 to 450 nm strike these products and by detecting the presence of fluorescence in a red light spectrum, whereby a product will be qualified as a product containing glycoalkaloid when said intensity is higher than a preset value.