Optical Sorting Apparatus Ejector Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sorting apparatuses, the actuation of the ejector based on multiple sort-out necessity/unnecessity determination information can lead to unintentional sorting out of acceptable products due to incorrect timing, resulting in yield impairment.
Innovation Solution
A sorting apparatus that sets a sort-out actuation signal based on a combination of sort-out necessity/unnecessity determination results using a signal setting table or calculation algorithm, ensuring the ejector is only actuated when the sorting target passes through the sorting region, thereby preventing unnecessary actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ejector is actuated based on multiple sort-out necessity determination results from different imaging portions, then the sorting accuracy is improved, but the risk of unintentional sorting out of acceptable products increases due to timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion performs preliminary calculations to determine the arrival time of the sorting target at the sorting region based on imaging timing and flight time before actuating the ejector. This preliminary timing calculation ensures the ejector is actuated at the correct moment when the sorting target passes through the sorting region, preventing unintentional sorting of acceptable products while maintaining high sorting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion uses feedback from multiple imaging portions to determine sort-out necessity and calculates arrival time based on imaging timing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to coordinate multiple detection results and adjust the ejector actuation timing accordingly, ensuring accurate sorting while avoiding false positives that would reduce yield.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging portions are used to determine sort-out necessity, then the sorting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion serves multiple functions: it processes imaging data from multiple imaging portions, determines sort-out necessity, calculates flight time and arrival time, and controls the ejector actuation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single control system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high sorting precision through multiple detection inputs.
3Device complexity
If the ejector actuation timing is not precisely controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sorting accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect ejection timing
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion performs preliminary calculation of arrival time based on imaging timing and estimated flight time before the actual ejector actuation. This preliminary timing determination simplifies the control logic by using pre-calculated values rather than complex real-time adjustments, while still achieving precise sorting accuracy through coordinated timing of multiple imaging portions and ejector actuation.
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
This approach ensures accurate sorting of foreign or defective products by actuating the ejector only when necessary, enhancing sorting accuracy and preventing the unintentional sorting of acceptable products.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection nozzle configured to eject compressed air toward the sorting target
Implementation Method 2
acquire one or more pieces of sort-out necessity/unnecessity determination information by imaging the sorting target
Data Source
AI summary
When a granular object is determined to have to be sorted out two or more times in two or more of sort-out necessity/unnecessity determination results determined by a determination portion, a sort-out signal setting portion of an optical sorting apparatus sets a sort-out actuation signal that contains information for actuating an ejector when the granular object advancing in the air passes through a sorting region based on a combination of the sort-out necessity/unnecessity determination results from a predetermined signal setting table.