Sequential Wavelength Scanning Mirror for Item Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sorting systems face challenges in accurately identifying and separating items based on physical characteristics in a stream, particularly due to limitations in detecting multiple wavelengths and synchronizing data signals from detectors to accommodate the movement of items and scanning mirror alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of detectors that sequentially receive electromagnetic energy across different wavelength ranges, synchronized by a controller to correlate and process data signals from multiple detectors, allowing for the identification of physical characteristics and precise separation of items through a movable scanning mirror and ejectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to detect different wavelength ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple wavelength ranges, with each detector specialized for a specific range. This segmentation allows parallel detection of different spectral characteristics simultaneously, improving measurement precision without requiring sequential scanning that would increase time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the detection system by incorporating multiple wavelength ranges. Instead of relying solely on spatial or temporal differentiation, the system utilizes spectral differentiation through multiple detectors, enabling more comprehensive material identification while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If sequential scanning of multiple wavelengths is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength detections into a single simultaneous measurement process. By using an array of detectors that operate in parallel across different wavelength ranges, the system captures spectral information from all wavelengths at the same time, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential scanning while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous detection across all wavelength ranges simultaneously through the use of multiple detectors. This continuous parallel operation ensures that no time is lost switching between wavelengths, as all spectral measurements occur continuously and concurrently, improving both speed and accuracy.
3Productivity
If detectors are arranged to view different locations simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen due to item movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of detector readings with the position of items on the conveyor belt. By pre-establishing the relationship between detector location, item position, and scan timing, the system can accurately correlate data from multiple detectors viewing different locations, maintaining measurement precision while enabling high-speed parallel detection that improves productivity.
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 efficient identification and separation of items by correlating data signals from multiple detectors, accommodating item movement and scanning alignment, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of sorting processes.
Implementation Method 1
A movable transversely scanning mirror is arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto the array of detectors
Implementation Method 2
each detector of the array of detectors includes a photodiode and filter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for identifying at least one physical characteristic of items in a stream of items moving along a path through an inspection zone, and for separating items from the stream of items based upon the at least one physical characteristic. The system includes a movable transversely scanning mirror arranged to reflect electromagnetic energy from the inspection zone onto an array of detectors. The detectors of the array are arranged to sequentially receive electromagnetic energy so that on each transverse scan of the mirror for any given sub-zone within the inspection zone the detectors of the array receive electromagnetic energy reflected from the mirror at different times. The controller is then operable to correlate input signals from the various detectors corresponding to detected levels of electromagnetic energy received at different times from each given sub-zone within the inspection zone.