Transparent Window Shielding for Food Inspection Imagers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food inspection apparatuses face contamination issues due to steam and oil splashes from conveyance devices, which stain the camera and hinder accurate water content inspections.
Innovation Solution
A food inspection apparatus with an optical unit disposed above the conveyance mechanism and a transparent window member between the conveyance mechanism and the optical unit, preventing direct contamination of the imager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical unit is disposed close to the conveyance mechanism for inspection, then inspection accuracy is improved, but the imager is contaminated by steam and oil from the food
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent window member is introduced as an intermediary component between the conveyance mechanism and the optical unit. This window member allows light to pass through for inspection while preventing steam and oil from reaching the imager, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining close proximity for accurate inspection and preventing contamination.
2Measurement precision
If the optical unit is protected from contamination, then inspection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A thin transparent window member is used to protect the imager. This thin film structure provides effective contamination protection while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure, allowing light transmission necessary for inspection.
3Illumination intensity
If the window member is made transparent for light transmission, then inspection function is maintained, but cleaning and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The window member is designed as a separate, detachable component from the optical unit. This segmentation allows the window member to be easily removed, cleaned, or replaced independently without affecting the optical unit, thus facilitating maintenance while maintaining transparency for light transmission.
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
Prevents contamination of the imager by steam and oil, ensuring accurate water content inspections and facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance of the window member.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent window member disposed between the conveyance mechanism and the optical unit
Data Source
AI summary
A food inspection apparatus configured to inspect food being conveyed by a conveyance mechanism includes an optical unit and a transparent window member. The optical unit is disposed above the conveyance mechanism and includes an imager. The imager is configured to image the conveyed food and acquire inspection information on the food. The transparent window member is disposed between the conveyance mechanism and the optical unit.