TWI662277B - Method and apparatus for ultrasound testing the hardness of fruits - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the hardness of fruit by ultrasonic waves. The method mainly comprises a casing body, and a sub-wave unit capable of penetrating and reflecting ultrasonic waves is arranged in the center of the casing body, and an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the points. The wave unit is divided into direct penetrating and impacting super-hard materials and reflected by the demultiplexing unit to the fruit by using the ultrasonic wave source through the demultiplexing unit. These two routes are collected in the receiver after reflection, and the superposed reflection amount is obtained by The amount of this reflection can detect the hardness of the fruit.

Description

Method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness

The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the hardness of fruits by using an ultrasonic wave, and more particularly to a method and a device for measuring the hardness of a fruit without damaging or accidentally damaging the surface of the fruit.

According to the development of Taiwan's agriculture is obvious to all, especially the fruits produced are well-known far and near, already has the reputation of the fruit kingdom; fruit is an indispensable food in people's daily life, and fruit selection is an experience technology, basically Look at the aroma, gloss, color, and touch. However, the average experienced veteran does not need to use the latter to feel the hardness and quality of the fruit, but the new generation of people can not recognize the softness and hardness of the fruit at the same time as the veteran. Judging whether the fruit is soft or hard with your eyes, you press the fruit with your hands, but you can't use the pinch force to hurt the fruit by mistake, which often causes conflicts or misunderstandings between consumers and sellers.

However, the industry also has many hardness testing equipment for fruits, vegetables, and fruits. Although these devices can fully and reliably detect the hardness of fruits, they also have some defects, as explained below:

1.Taiwan Publication No. TW200734634A A vegetable and fruit hardness testing device, which is used to cut the plums through a cutting device and classify the plum hardness by a sensor. Although it is used to detect the hardness of the fruit, the fruit itself has been destroyed and cut. Unable to sell.

2. Chinese Patent Bulletin No. CN105203419 “A Fruit Hardness Tester”, Bulletin No. CN207096012U “A Portable Fruit Hardness Tester”, Bulletin No. CN 202256080U “A Fruit Hardness Tester” are designed using mechanical principles, The head is against the fruit to measure the hardness of the fruit. Therefore, the surface of the fruit will be damaged.

3. Chinese Patent Publication No. CN104034587A "A method for measuring the solidity of spherical fruits and vegetables" uses a method of simulating the squeeze of fruits and vegetables by hand, uniformly stresses the fruits and vegetables, and quickly and accurately measures the solidity of various spherical fruits and vegetables. Therefore, Will hurt the lack of surface around the fruit and vegetables.

4. Chinese Patent Bulletin No. CN1377463 "Method and Device for Determining the Hardness of Products such as Fruit", using a tapping device to tap the fruit product and generate a vibration signal to detect the hardness of the fruit. The surface where it is struck will produce a surface Bruising. In severe cases, there will be a lack of surface or internal ulceration.

Today, the inventor upholds many years of rich design and development and actual production experience in the related industry, researches and improves the existing structure, and provides an ultrasonic detection method and device for fruit hardness in order to achieve better practical value.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness, in particular to a method and a device for measuring the soft hardness of a fruit without damaging or accidentally damaging the surface of the fruit.

The main purpose and efficacy of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention are achieved by the following specific technical means:

It mainly includes a casing body. A sub-wave unit capable of transmitting and reflecting ultrasonic waves is provided in the center of the casing body, and an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the sub-wave units. The ultrasonic source is used to divide the sub-wave units through the sub-wave units. It directly penetrates the impacting super-hard material and is reflected by the demultiplexing unit to the fruit. These two routes are collected by the acoustic receiver after reflection, and the superposed reflection amount can be obtained, and the softness and hardness of the fruit can be detected by the size of the reflection amount. degree.

In a preferred embodiment of the method and device for detecting fruit hardness by ultrasonic waves according to the present invention, first, second, third, and fourth channels intersecting each other are provided inside the casing body, and are formed outside the first channels. A detection port for contacting a fruit to be detected.

In a preferred embodiment of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, the demultiplexing unit is disposed at the intersection of the first, second, third, and fourth channels.

A preferred embodiment of the method and device for fruit hardness testing by the ultrasonic according to the present invention, wherein the ultrasonic is provided by an ultrasonic generator, the ultrasonic generator is arranged at an outer part of the second channel, and can emit sound waves to the The demultiplexing unit allows half of the sound waves to pass through the demultiplexing unit, and half of the sound waves are reflected to the detection port.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, wherein the super-hard substance is disposed at an outer part of the third channel, in order to receive the sound wave penetrated by the demultiplexing unit and reflect it back, The hardness of the super-hard substance should be greater than that of the fruit to be tested, and it must have the characteristics of non-absorption and total reflection of sound waves.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, the acoustic wave receiver is disposed at an outer portion of the fourth channel, and is used to receive the acoustic waves that are collected after being divided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method and device for detecting the hardness of fruits according to the present invention, the method further includes a data processing unit. The data processing unit is connected to a power supply unit, and is connected to the ultrasonic generator and controls the ultrasonic generation. The receiver is opened and closed, and the data processing unit is connected to the acoustic wave receiver, and is configured to process and analyze the reflection amount data received by the acoustic wave receiver.

A preferred embodiment of the method and device for fruit hardness testing according to the present invention further includes a display screen, which is connected to the data processing unit and receives a signal to display the analyzed reflection data.

In a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, the demultiplexing unit is selected from a low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) material having semi-transmissive and semi-reflective acoustic wave characteristics.

A preferred embodiment of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, wherein the super-hard substance is made of steel with a flat and smooth surface.

In order to provide a more complete and clear disclosure of the technical content, the purpose of the invention and the effect achieved by the present invention, it is described in detail below, and please also refer to the disclosed drawings and numbers:

First, the actual application technology and means of the present invention, please refer to the first to third figures, which are schematic diagrams of the overall appearance, channels and cross-sections of the method and device for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to the present invention, which are:

It transmits an ultrasonic wave to a demultiplexing unit (2). The demultiplexing unit (2) has the characteristics of penetration and reflection, so that the incident ultrasonic wave can be divided into a penetrating acoustic wave and a reflection by the demultiplexing unit (2). The sound wave is incident on the surface of the fruit (A) to be detected and reflected by the reflected sound wave, and the penetrating sound wave is incident on a superhard substance (4) and reflected, and the two reflected waves are collected and passed through a sound wave The receiver (5) receives the calculation and can detect the hardness of the fruit.

When practically implemented, the present invention uses some physical principles to combine ultrasonic hardness testing devices for fruits. The principle of reflection, penetration, and absorption of sound waves when they collide with objects. For hard fruits, the amount of reflection is greater than soft fruits. Fruits absorb some of the sound waves, and the amount of reflection of sound waves is less than that of hard fruits. Based on the amount of reflection, fruits are classified as soft and hard. However, due to the irregular skin of the fruit, the phenomenon of diffusion will be caused, which will hinder the measurement of the reflection. Therefore, the principle of Maxson interference is added to make an ultrasonic fruit hardness testing device [as shown in the second figure]. This device can Solve the diffusion caused by uneven fruit skin. However, please refer to the first to third figures to achieve the above method, which requires the following devices, including:

A casing body (1) is provided with first, second, third, and fourth channels (11), (12), (13), and (14) intersecting each other inside the first channel. (11) A detection port (111) is formed on the outer side, and the detection port (111) is used to contact the fruit to be detected;

A demultiplexing unit (2) is provided at the intersection of the first, second, third, and fourth channels (11), (12), (13), (14), and the demultiplexing unit (2) ) Is a material with semi-transmissive and semi-reflective acoustic characteristics;

An ultrasonic generator (3) is arranged on the outer part of the second channel (12), and can emit sound waves to the sub-wave unit (2) and let half of the sound waves penetrate the sub-wave unit (2). And half of it is reflected to the detection port (111);

A super-hard substance (4) is arranged at the outer part of the third channel (13), so as to receive the sound wave transmitted through the sub-wave unit (2) and reflect it back;

A sound wave receiver (5), which is arranged at the outer part of the fourth channel (14), and is used for receiving the sound waves which are collected after being divided;

A data processing unit (6) is provided with a power supply unit (61) connected to the ultrasonic generator (3) and controls the opening and closing of the ultrasonic generator (3), and the data processing unit (6) 6) connected to the acoustic wave receiver (5), for processing and analyzing the reflection amount data received by the acoustic wave receiver (5);

A display screen (7) is connected to the data processing unit (6) and receives a signal to display the reflected reflection data after analysis.

When it is actually implemented, please refer to the first to third figures again. The fruit to be detected corresponds to the detection port (111) of the casing body (1), and an opening is provided on the casing body (1). A closed switch (8), the switch (8) is connected to the data processing unit (6), and when in use, the switch (8) is pressed to start the device, so that the ultrasonic generator (3) emits An ultrasonic wave is emitted, whose ultrasonic frequency is between 20k ~ 40k Hz, and is incident on the sub-wave unit (2) through the second channel (12), and the sub-wave unit (2) is capable of transmitting and reflecting the ultrasonic wave , Which is a material with semi-transmissive and semi-reflective acoustic characteristics, such as low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) material; however, after the ultrasonic wave enters the demultiplexing unit (2), it passes through the demultiplexing unit ( 2) The characteristic allows half of the sound waves to penetrate, and half of the sound waves are reflected to the detection port (111). The reflected sound waves enter the surface of the fruit (A) to be detected by the detection port (111) through the first channel (11). When the reflected sound wave is incident to be detected Fruit (A) the surface of the fruit by the state of the surface hardness, and then the incident reflected acoustic waves reflected back, whereas the reflectivity depending on the size of the fruit may be soft or hard.

In addition, the penetrating sound wave is incident on the super hard substance (4) through the third channel (13), and the super hard substance (4) is selected mainly because its hardness is greater than the hardness of the fruit to be detected, and it is required to have It has the characteristics of not absorbing and totally reflecting sound waves, such as steel. In order to avoid ultrasonic scattering, the superhard substance (4) has a flat and smooth surface. Therefore, when the penetrating sound wave is incident on the superhard substance (4), All the transmitted sound waves are reflected back; at this time, the reflected sound waves reflected by the superhard substance (4) and the reflected sound waves pass through the reflected waves reflected on the surface of the fruit (A) to be detected, and then pass through the The acoustic wave receiver (5) receives the superposed reflection amount, and allows the acoustic wave receiver (5) to transmit the superposed reflection amount to the data processing unit (6), and the superposition is analyzed by the data processing unit (6). The amount of reflection to obtain the hardness value of the fruit (A) to be detected; after that, the data processing unit (6) connects a display screen and displays the analyzed data on the display (7) on the screen.

The experiment is as follows: Please refer to the fourth figure, two guavas are selected for measurement [theoretically soft (number 2) and left hard (number 1)]. The measurement results are as follows:

 Baccarat Number 1  Baccarat Number 2  First measurement  1520 mV  1160 mV  Second measurement  1580 mV  1280 mV  Third measurement  1500 mV  1000 mV  Fourth measurement  1380 mV  1020 mV  Fifth measurement  1440 mV  1160 mV  Sixth measurement  1500 mV  1280 mV

For the same fruit, the degree of softness and hardness of different sides is not the same, so for the same fruit, the data of each measurement will not be exactly the same, and will be within a range; as shown in the table above, the detected The amount of reflection is analyzed to produce different voltage values, and the sound waves are converted into voltage [regardless of digital or analog signals, all sound waves are recorded in the form of voltage]. When the reflection amount is large, a large voltage value is generated; from the above, It can be seen from the table data of Baal that the voltage value of No. 1 is greater than No. 2 during multiple detections, and the average difference between No. 1 and No. 2 is 336.66mV. Here, it can be determined that the hardness of No. 1 is greater than No. 2 Guava. However, if you want to use the fruit's softness as a grade, you must plan the value range of each fruit from its maximum hardness to softness [because each fruit has a different degree of softness and hardness], and structure the softness of each fruit. Hardness grade.

However, the foregoing embodiments or drawings do not limit the product structure or usage of the present invention, and any appropriate changes or modifications by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field should be regarded as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

In summary, the embodiments of the present invention can indeed achieve the expected use effect, and the specific structure disclosed has not only been seen in similar products, nor has it been disclosed before the application. It has fully complied with the provisions of the Patent Law. In accordance with the law, the application for an invention patent was submitted in accordance with the law, and we are kindly requested to review it and grant the patent.

this invention

(A) ‧‧‧ Fruit to be tested

(1) ‧‧‧ Chassis body

(11) ‧‧‧ the first channel

(111) ‧‧‧ detection port

(12) ‧‧‧ the second channel

(13) ‧‧‧ the third channel

(14) ‧‧‧ the fourth channel

(2) ‧‧‧ demultiplexing unit

(3) ‧‧‧ Ultrasonic generator

(4) ‧‧‧ Superhard substance

(5) ‧‧‧ Acoustic Receiver

(6) ‧‧‧Data Processing Unit

(61) ‧‧‧ Power Supply Unit

(7) ‧‧‧ display screen

(8) ‧‧‧ Switch

First figure: A schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the present invention.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the channel of the present invention.

The third figure: a schematic sectional view of the present invention.

Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the experimental detection of two fruits (Bara) in the present invention.

Claims (10)

A method for ultrasonically detecting the hardness of a fruit, wherein: system emits an ultrasonic wave on a sub-wave unit, the sub-wave unit is a substance capable of penetrating and reflecting the ultrasonic wave, and allowing the incident ultrasonic wave to be divided by the sub-wave unit The transmitted sound wave and the reflected sound wave are incident on the surface of the fruit to be detected and reflected through the reflected sound wave, and the transmitted sound wave is incident on a super-hard substance and reflected, and the reflected quantities of the two reflected waves pass through. A sonic receiver receives calculations to detect the hardness of the fruit. The method for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the ultrasonic frequency is between 20k ~ 40k Hz. According to the method of ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness as described in the first item of the scope of patent application, the hardness of the super-hard substance is selected to be greater than the hardness of the fruit to be detected, and it must have the characteristics of non-absorption and total reflection of sound waves. According to the method of ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, the demultiplexing unit is selected from a low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) material having semi-transmissive and semi-reflective acoustic wave characteristics. The method for detecting the hardness of fruits as described in item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the super-hard substance is made of steel with a flat and smooth surface. The utility model relates to a device for ultrasonically detecting the hardness of a fruit, which comprises: a casing body, which is provided with first, second, third, and fourth channels intersecting each other; a detection port is formed on the outside of the first channel; The detection port is used for contacting the fruit to be detected. (1) A demultiplexing unit is provided at the intersection of the first, second, third, and fourth channels. The demultiplexing unit is capable of transmitting and reflecting ultrasonic waves. Substance; (1) an ultrasonic generator, which is arranged at the outer part of the second channel, can emit sound waves to the sub-wave unit, and allows half of the sound waves to penetrate the sub-wave unit, and half of which is reflected to the detection port; A super-hard substance is provided on the outer part of the third channel to receive the sound waves transmitted through the demultiplexing unit and reflect back; 回 A sound wave receiver is provided on the outer part of the fourth channel and is used for Receive the sound waves that are collected after the demultiplexing; (1) a data processing unit, which is connected with a power supply unit, and is connected with the ultrasonic generator and controls the ultrasonic wave; The generator is opened and closed, and the data processing unit is connected to the acoustic wave receiver to process and analyze the reflection amount data received by the acoustic wave receiver; a display screen is connected to the data processing unit and receives A signal to display the reflected reflection data after analysis; (1) a switch is arranged on the casing body and is connected to the data processing unit; the switch is used to open and close the device. The device for detecting the hardness of a fruit as described in item 6 of the patent application range, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic generator is between 20k ~ 40k Hz. According to the apparatus for ultrasonically detecting fruit hardness according to item 6 of the scope of the patent application, the super-hard substance is a substance whose hardness is greater than that of the fruit to be detected, and which has a non-absorptive and fully reflected acoustic wave characteristic. The device for detecting the hardness of fruits as described in item 6 of the patent application range, wherein the demultiplexing unit is selected from a low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) material with semi-transmissive and semi-reflective acoustic characteristics. The device for detecting the hardness of fruits as described in item 8 of the scope of patent application, wherein the super-hard substance is made of steel with a flat and smooth surface.