Multihead Weigher Funnel Foreign Body Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multihead weighers face challenges in detecting foreign bodies within bulk materials during the filling process, requiring separate analysis and not being able to integrate foreign body detection efficiently within a compact, enclosed packaging system.
Innovation Solution
A device with an image recording unit featuring cameras and a lighting unit is integrated into the multihead weigher, allowing for optical detection of foreign bodies within the funnel section, enabling real-time image series recording and evaluation to identify foreign bodies as they pass through the funnel, with cameras arranged to cover the interior surface and lighting optimized for reduced reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate foreign body detection system is used, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foreign body detection system with the existing multihead weigher by integrating cameras and lighting units into the funnel structure. The image recording unit is positioned to detect the interior surface of the funnel where bulk material flows, merging detection functionality with the existing filling apparatus rather than using a separate standalone system.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel structure serves multiple functions: it guides bulk material from weighing containers to packaging while simultaneously housing the image recording and lighting units for foreign body detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection equipment and reduces overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If cameras are arranged to cover the entire interior surface, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior surface of the funnel is divided into multiple detection zones, each monitored by individual cameras positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the bulk material flow path while using a manageable number of cameras rather than requiring continuous or excessive camera coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning cameras at different heights within the funnel to capture images of the bulk material as it flows downward. This multi-level arrangement provides comprehensive detection coverage without requiring cameras to be densely packed in a single plane.
3Measurement precision
If lighting is increased to improve image quality, then detection precision is improved, but reflections and image distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting units are positioned at specific locations within the funnel and directed to illuminate particular zones where foreign bodies are most likely to be detected. This localized lighting approach provides sufficient illumination for image capture while minimizing overall light reflections and distortion compared to uniform lighting of the entire funnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel's interior surface acts as an intermediary structure that guides both the bulk material and the light paths. The geometry and material properties of the funnel surface are utilized to control light reflection patterns, reducing unwanted reflections while maintaining adequate illumination for detection.
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 solution allows for integrated foreign body detection within the multihead weigher, enhancing detection resolution and reducing distortion, enabling efficient examination of bulk materials before filling without the need for separate analysis, while maintaining a hygienic and enclosed system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera for optical detection of the funnel, wherein the at least one camera is arranged inside of or above the funnel and is set up to detect at least one section of the interior surface of the funnel
Implementation Method 2
a lighting unit and an image evaluation unit for output of a signal upon detection of a foreign body in an image series
Implementation Method 3
differentiate different constituents of the bulk material, in particular of foreign bodies contained in the bulk material, based on different reflection properties of the surface and/or the material
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for detection of foreign bodies in a multihead weigher includes an image recorder and a lighting module and an image evaluation module. The multihead weigher includes weighing containers for filling with bulk material, a selection of the bulk material being emptiable into chutes combined in the shape of a funnel upon arrival of a trigger signal. The image recorder records an image series, and the lighting module and the image evaluation module output a signal upon detection of a foreign body in the image series. The image recorder includes one or more cameras for optical capturing of the funnel, the one or more cameras being arranged inside of or above the funnel and being set up to capture one or more sections of an interior surface of the funnel between two horizontal planes.