Robot Food Item Orientation for Non-Uniform Conveyor Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food item processing systems struggle to efficiently sort and orient non-uniform food items, such as meat, prior to processing, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to processing devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a conveyor system with sensors and a pick-and-place robot to determine the shape and quality of food items, categorize them, and orient them based on predetermined criteria, ensuring only suitable items are processed while rejecting unsuitable ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport food items, then food items can be moved through the processing system, but non-uniform food items cannot be efficiently sorted and oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the food item handling process into distinct stages: detection phase (using sensors to measure shape and dimensions), categorization phase (classifying items based on measured parameters), and orientation phase (positioning items on the conveyor). This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, improving overall efficiency in handling non-uniform items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and measurement of food item shape and dimensions before the main processing operation. Sensors measure geometric parameters in advance, allowing the control system to pre-calculate orientation requirements and prepare the conveyor system accordingly, ensuring uniform positioning before processing begins.
2Reliability
If all food items are processed uniformly, then processing is simplified, but unsuitable food items may damage the processing device
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and categorization of food items before they enter the processing device. Sensors measure shape and dimensional parameters, and the control system identifies items that may cause damage based on predetermined criteria, allowing them to be separated from suitable items beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts or removes unsuitable food items from the main processing stream before they reach the processing device. By separating problematic items (those with dangerous dimensions or shapes) from the batch, only safe items are forwarded for processing, protecting the device while maintaining a relatively simple processing operation.
3Productivity
If manual sorting methods are used, then flexibility in handling different food items is achieved, but processing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and sorting with automated sensor-based detection. Optical sensors or other detection devices automatically measure food item shape and dimensions, eliminating the need for human operators to visually assess each item. This automation significantly increases processing speed while maintaining the flexibility to handle various food item types through programmable categorization criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables food items to be automatically evaluated and categorized based on their own geometric properties. The sensors measure each item's shape and dimensions, and the control system automatically determines suitability without human intervention. This self-service approach allows high-speed processing while adapting to different food item characteristics through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for sorting and orienting food items includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor extending from the first conveyor and for transporting, in a second feed direction, food items received from the first conveyor, an opening formed at the end of the first conveyor, a first sensor device for obtaining information on the food items, a pick-and-place robot arranged to pick food items from the first conveyor and place them on the second conveyor, a control module configured for receiving information from the first sensor device and for controlling the robot. The robot is controlled to pick food items from the first conveyor and to place and selectively orient the food item relative to the second feed direction on the second conveyor, if the food item belongs to a first category only, and such that food items belonging to a second category will pass into the opening.