Sorting Line Calibration for Precise Fruit Discharge Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems for fruit and vegetables face inefficiencies due to manual measurement of distances between discharge stations and analysis devices, leading to productivity losses and requiring qualified personnel, as these distances can vary with conveyor wear and tension, necessitating time-consuming recalibration.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for adjusting parameters on a sorting line using electromagnetic interaction or image analysis to detect holder passages, determining distances between reference points and discharge stations, enabling synchronized object ejection based on sorting criteria without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of distances between discharge stations and analysis device is performed, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical detection system. A detection device (camera) captures images of holders, and a control unit automatically calculates distances based on image analysis and holder position data, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting holder positions and calculating distances between discharge stations and the analysis device. The control unit uses image data from the detection device to autonomously determine positional parameters without requiring external manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement and adjustment operations are performed, then parameter accuracy can be ensured, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated detection and calculation of holder positions and distances before actual sorting operations begin. The control unit pre-determines the positional parameters of discharge stations relative to the analysis device, so that accurate parameter data is ready before production starts, eliminating time-consuming manual measurements.
3Productivity
If automated detection is implemented, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it detects holder positions, measures distances between discharge stations and the analysis device, and provides data for automated calibration. The control unit performs both image processing and distance calculation functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices and minimizing overall system complexity.
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
Facilitates rapid and automated adjustment of sorting line parameters, reducing downtime and increasing productivity by allowing frequent recalibration, ensuring precise ejection of objects into batches with the same sorting criterion.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the passage of said at least one holder in front of a reference point of the sorting line; detecting the passage of said at least one holder in front of each discharge Pi station
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting at least one parameter of a line (1) for sorting objects (7) of a system for packing such objects belonging to the group comprising fruit and vegetables, the sorting line (1) conveying a plurality of supports (6), each support (6) being intended to carry an object (7), the adjustment method being characterised in that it comprises the following steps: —moving at least one support (6) in a longitudinal direction of travel (5) of the sorting line (1); —detecting the passage of said at least one support (6) in front of a reference point (11) of the sorting line (1); —detecting the passage of said at least one support (6) in front of each discharging station Pi (12, 12′) of a plurality of discharging stations distributed along the sorting line (1), each discharging station Pi (12, 12′) being intended to be able to discharge an object (7) from said at least one support (6) that is carried by said at least one support (6) when said at least one support (6) passes in front of said discharging station Pi (12, 12′); —determining each longitudinal distance Di separating each discharging station Pi (12, 12′) of the plurality of discharging stations and the reference point (11), on the basis of data for detecting the passage of said at least one support (6) in front of the reference point (11) and data for detecting the passage of said at least one support (6) in front of each discharging station Pi (12, 12′) and the drive speed of said at least one support (6) on the sorting line (1). The invention also relates to a system for sorting such objects and to a system for packing objects comprising such a sorting system.