Independent Diverter Mechanism for Short Pasta Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for selecting edible pasta based on aesthetic defects are not applicable to short pasta and result in excessive waste, lacking flexibility, and require special alignment constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selecting edible pasta that uses optical detection and lighting from different angles to identify defects in short pasta, associating defect regions with transverse positions, and independently diverting defective elements to a rejection path while allowing non-defective elements to proceed to further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the known system for selecting pasta elements is applied to short pasta, then defect detection is enabled, but excessive waste occurs as all elements at the same conveyor belt section are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the conveyor belt into multiple independent detection zones, allowing individual identification and rejection of only those specific pasta elements containing defects rather than rejecting all elements in a section. This segmentation enables precise targeting of defective items while preserving good ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system applies quality assessment locally to each pasta element individually, using multiple cameras positioned at different angles to evaluate specific regions. This local quality approach allows the system to identify defects in particular elements without affecting the status of neighboring elements.
2Measurement precision
If the known system is used for long pasta with aligned arrangement, then defect identification is accurate, but the system lacks flexibility and requires special alignment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple types of pasta (both long and short varieties) using the same detection infrastructure. By positioning cameras at different angles and using advanced image processing, the system achieves universal applicability across different pasta shapes without requiring separate alignment mechanisms for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds angular dimension to defect detection by positioning cameras at multiple angles (including overhead and side views). This multi-dimensional approach enables accurate defect identification in both aligned long pasta and randomly oriented short pasta, eliminating the need for strict alignment constraints.
3Ease of operation
If short pasta advances on conveyor belt in non-orderly way, then natural flow is maintained, but defect identification becomes difficult and excessive rejection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of defects before the pasta elements complete their traversal through the conveyor. By using multiple cameras positioned at different angles and processing images in real-time, the system identifies defective elements early enough to trigger selective rejection without disrupting the natural flow of non-defective pasta.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical and computational approaches. Instead of using mechanical devices to force pasta into aligned positions, the system uses multiple cameras and image processing algorithms to identify and track individual pasta elements regardless of their orientation, enabling defect detection in naturally flowing short pasta.
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
Minimizes waste by accurately identifying and rejecting only defective pasta elements, maintaining high efficiency and flexibility without requiring special line design measures.
Implementation Method 1
lighting means for lighting the pasta elements that transit in an inspection space
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a system (1) and a relative method for selecting elements based on edible pasta, preferably short pasta, comprising a detection part (2) and a selection part (3), wherein the detection part (2) in turn comprises - lighting means (21, 22) for lighting pasta elements (E) that transit in an inspection space (S) and - an optical detection means (23) for acquiring images of the pasta elements (E) in the inspection space (S) the selection part (3) comprises - a selection assembly (31) for diverting selectively the pasta elements (E) toward further processing means (41) or toward a rejection path (42), characterized in that the selection assembly (31) comprises a plurality of diverters (32), each of which can move independently of the others between a transfer condition and a rejection condition in order to divert selectively the pasta elements (E) toward the further processing means (41) or toward the rejection path (42).