X-ray Net Weight Estimation for Interconnected Product Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the net weight of products in interconnected tubular bags are inaccurate due to mechanical coupling forces between bags, leading to measurement deviations, especially in high-speed industrial packaging where precise control and legal compliance are required.
Innovation Solution
A method using X-ray technology to determine the net weight by calculating the weight of individual product areas within a chain of connected bags, involving overall weighing and X-ray imaging to differentiate between product and packaging material, allowing for accurate net weight calculation despite mechanical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional weighing methods (conveyor belt scales or checkweighers) are used on interconnected product chains, then the weighing process can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to mechanical coupling forces between adjacent bags causing force bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weighing systems (conveyor belt scales, checkweighers) with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the product chain, and image evaluation determines individual product masses. This substitution eliminates the mechanical coupling problem where adjacent bags exert forces on each other during weighing, as the optical system measures each bag independently without physical contact or force transmission between bags.
2Productivity
If dynamic weighing is performed on moving packages at high speed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion and mechanical coupling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dynamic mechanical weighing with optical imaging and image evaluation. A camera system captures images of the moving product chain, and software processes these images to determine individual bag masses. This allows high-speed measurement without the mechanical coupling forces that plague traditional dynamic weighing systems, maintaining both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the physical product chain instead of physically weighing it. By capturing images and evaluating them computationally, the system determines masses without physical contact. This copying approach enables measurement at high speeds while avoiding the mechanical interference that occurs when physically supporting and weighing moving, interconnected bags.
3Reliability
If conventional weighing systems are used to guarantee 100% control and legal compliance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for official type approval and regular metrological testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically-based weighing systems with optical measurement and image evaluation. This substitution eliminates the need for official type approval and regular metrological testing that plague conventional weighing systems. The optical system, being non-contact and based on image processing rather than mechanical force measurement, avoids the complex regulatory framework required for legal-for-trade weighing instruments while maintaining measurement reliability.
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
Enables precise determination of net weight in individual bags within a chain with high accuracy and speed, meeting legal requirements and ensuring consistent product quality, even during high-speed production.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray device for illuminating a product chain (1) moving in a defined direction
Implementation Method 2
grayscale values which correspond to the X-ray radiation which penetrates a defined area of the product chain or the entire product chain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for ascertaining a net weight WeightProduct Range Net of a product (3a-3e) in a product range, wherein a plurality of contiguous product ranges form a product chain (1), in which a total weight WeightTotal Gross of the product chain (1) is ascertained, the product chain (1) is X-rayed using an X-ray device in order to ascertain values that correspond to the X-ray radiation that respectively penetrates a defined range of the product chain (1), the ascertained values are used to ascertain a total value Greyscale ValueTotal Gross for the entire product chain (1), a product range La-Le with a single product 3a-3e contained therein is selected or prescribed by means of evaluation of the ascertained values, a value Greyscale ValueProduct Range Gross of the product range La-Le is formed from the ascertained values, a gross weight WeightProduct Range Gross of the product range La-Le is ascertained therefrom and the net weight WeightProduct Range Net used for the single product 3a-3e is approximately the weight WeightGross or the net weight (WeightProduct Range Net) is ascertained from the difference between the weight WeightGross and a prescribed or ascertained weight WeightTA-RA of the product range La-Le without a product (3a-3e). The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method of this kind.