WO2017058015A1 - Détecteur pour déterminer la constante de force de produits alimentaires en particulier des œufs, des fruits et des légumes - Google Patents

Détecteur pour déterminer la constante de force de produits alimentaires en particulier des œufs, des fruits et des légumes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017058015A1
WO2017058015A1 PCT/NL2016/050669 NL2016050669W WO2017058015A1 WO 2017058015 A1 WO2017058015 A1 WO 2017058015A1 NL 2016050669 W NL2016050669 W NL 2016050669W WO 2017058015 A1 WO2017058015 A1 WO 2017058015A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detector
force
eggs
product
force constant
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2016/050669
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bart De Ketelaere
Original Assignee
Moba Group B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Moba Group B.V. filed Critical Moba Group B.V.
Publication of WO2017058015A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017058015A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food
    • G01N33/025—Fruits or vegetables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K43/00—Testing, sorting or cleaning eggs ; Conveying devices ; Pick-up devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N3/08—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress by applying steady tensile or compressive forces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food
    • G01N33/08—Eggs, e.g. by candling
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/0014—Type of force applied
    • G01N2203/0016—Tensile or compressive
    • G01N2203/0019—Compressive
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/0058—Kind of property studied
    • G01N2203/0069—Fatigue, creep, strain-stress relations or elastic constants
    • G01N2203/0075—Strain-stress relations or elastic constants
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/0058—Kind of property studied
    • G01N2203/0092—Visco-elasticity, solidification, curing, cross-linking degree, vulcanisation or strength properties of semi-solid materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/02—Details not specific for a particular testing method
    • G01N2203/06—Indicating or recording means; Sensing means
    • G01N2203/067—Parameter measured for estimating the property
    • G01N2203/0682—Spatial dimension, e.g. length, area, angle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a detector for processing relatively hard and relatively round food products, for example, but not exclusively, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
  • this technology finds application in determining whether eggs are broken or not, for instance upon their supply from laying hen coops to packaging machines, so that with great advantage the broken eggs, also called fractured eggs, can be timely removed from the supply stream.
  • eggs have been tested for fracture prior to sale.
  • eggs were tested for fracture manually by illuminating a broad stream of eggs on a roller conveyor from below, and thus exposing them for examination.
  • fracture lines of poorly visible fractures or eggshell cracks are thus visualized as dark, generally frayed, lines contrasting against a light background.
  • This manner of testing is called candling and, though reliable with quite reasonable results, is highly strenuous for operators performing this task manually.
  • Ever larger machines with correspondingly larger egg streams have made this manner of operation virtually unfeasible. Since the eighties, in the development and marketing of high-capacity sorting machines, testing for fracture has been automated, whereby acoustic detection instead of optical detection is performed in nearly all cases.
  • Positioning the detector here comprises in particular: compressing the product whereby an, egg-contacting, detector part (also called pressure force element or pressure body) travels an above-mentioned compression distance ( ⁇ ) and exerts an associated (non- destructive) compression force (F) on the egg.
  • the force constant k associated with a specific product can be determined from a single measurement, at a defined compression distance and associated compression force, or through a series of measurements (comprising at least two different compression distances and associated compression forces), which will be clear to the skilled person.
  • a parameter derived from the force constant can be determined, in particular when the force constant is determined at least twice per product (by two different measurements).
  • measuring the force constant k at least, exerting the compression force (F) at a defined compression distance ( ⁇ ) is carried out on each product in such a manner that a still intact product remains intact (i.e. without breaking or otherwise permanently damaging the intact product).
  • the intact product after the determination of the force constant, can be processed further, intact.
  • a relatively small compression force and associated relatively small compression distance can be applied, in contrast to the above-mentioned known method whereby a batch of intact products is broken.
  • the relatively round products to be processed can for instance be
  • substantially egg-shaped, ovoid or spherical substantially egg-shaped, ovoid or spherical.
  • the relatively round product can be supported in a stable manner while the measurement of the force constant is carried out.
  • Each supporting location mentioned can for instance be provided by a respective supporting element, for example, a respective roller or hourglass-shaped roller.
  • the detector is part of a system that also comprises a product conveyor, which conveyor is configured to provide the at least two supporting locations (for example, a roller conveyor).
  • a detector part that applies a compression force can for instance be disposed above a transport surface of the conveyor.
  • a detector part i.e. pressure force element, pressure body
  • the present invention comprises a detector for determining the force constant of relatively hard and relatively round food products, for example, but not exclusively, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, whereby the detector slightly compresses such a product in fixed position for a short period of time (over a compression distance ⁇ ) whereby a compression force (F) is measured with a controllable pressure body, the product being supported by carriers on at least two surface locations, and whereby with the detector, of the product, compression force as a function of compression distance is measured, with which at least the force constant thereof is determined.
  • the detector is configured for carrying out a method according to the present invention.
  • this simple method can be utilized on large numbers of eggs and such a detector can be built in on a roller conveyor.
  • This detection unlike the above described batch detection, is not destructive and can be carried out on a continuous stream of eggs.
  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that, of the products, the compression force as a function of the compression distance is measured at least twice for determining a derived parameter of the force constant k.
  • the choice of the materials with which the pressure force is exerted is of great importance.
  • the detection is preferably so configured that when the egg or product to be examined is being supported, the product itself does not function as transmitter of the compression force.
  • the stiffnesses of supporting elements and pressure force element are preferably a few orders of magnitude greater than that of the product to be examined.
  • FIGURES 1A, B schematically show a situation according to the prior art
  • FIGURE 2 schematically shows a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention
  • FIGURE 3 schematically shows a further elaboration of the first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.
  • FIGURES 1A, B the earlier-described situation from the prior art is schematically shown, with 1A and IB being cross sections through an egg E along two main axes of the egg E (in approximation to be regarded as an ellipsoid), i.e., respectively, along the longitudinal axis or major axis (see FIG. 1A), which runs between the two ends of the egg, i.e., between the sharp end and the convex end, and along a short axis (FIG. IB).
  • FIG. 1A the longitudinal axis or major axis
  • the (intact) egg E shown is clamped between two metal plates 1 and 2 while the relative position of these plates 1, 2 is adjustable and the force exerted therewith can be measured. Upon further compression, the egg will fracture at a certain point, the force then applied being the fracture force.
  • This force value is regarded as a measure for the eggshell quality of such an egg, and, when used as a sample test, as a quality value of a corresponding batch from which this egg originates.
  • An aspect of the present invention (see hereinbelow) comprises a
  • FIGURE 2 schematically, a first exemplary embodiment of a method and apparatus according to the invention is shown.
  • the figure shows a method for determining with a detector 1 the force constant of relatively hard and relatively round food products, for example, eggs E.
  • the method comprises supporting the product E in at least two surface locations, positioning the detector 1 in an at least third surface location, whereby at least once
  • compression force is measured as a function of compression distance. From compression force and associated compression distance, force constant k is determined (Hooke's law). The force constant k can then be compared with a predetermined threshold value (of the force constant). Such a determination can for instance be carried out (in an automated manner) by a data processor C or the like. After the one measurement mentioned or after the measurements mentioned, where an intact product E remains, in particular, intact, the detector 1 can be brought to an initial position, in which it does not contact the product E, for further processing of the measured product E. The method can be carried out fast and efficiently, for example in a continuous or semi-continuous process. As follows from the above, in particular a relatively small compression force is applied, for example, a compression force that is not greater than 10 N.
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of an egg E, facing in the direction of the long axis thereof, with the egg E resting on rollers 3, 4, for example, hourglass-shaped rollers which are commonly used in this technical field.
  • FIG. 2 shows three forces that are exerted on the egg E, viz., a pressure force F 10 by the detector (in this case pressure plate) 1, a first supporting force F30 by the first supporting roller 3 and a second supporting force F40 by the second supporting roller 4.
  • the rollers 3, 4 can be part of an endless roller conveyor RT (schematically represented, in part), configured for conveying eggs E in a transport direction T, see FIG. 3 where this is worked out.
  • the compression force F10 is directed substantially downward (in a direction X), at least, normal relative to a transport surface presented by the conveyor RT.
  • the direction of the pressure force F 10 is at right angles relative to the long axis of the egg E (as in FIG. 2), and in this case also at right angles relative to the short axis of the egg E.
  • the detector part 1 which exerts the pressure force is configured to contact the relatively round product E at a point of compression, to which end the detector part 1 comprises in particular a flat compressing side facing the conveyor RT.
  • the detector 1 may be implemented in different manners.
  • the detector 1 comprises, for example, a rigid pressure element having a flat pressure surface facing the conveyor, movable over a compression distance to compress the product E.
  • the detector 1 may be provided with a drive 2 coupled to the detector plate, for moving the detector plate in a compression direction X, over a compression distance as mentioned (and for moving the plate away again from the product after measuring).
  • a force meter la as mentioned may be implemented in various manners, and, for example, may comprise a pressure sensor or piezoelectric element, may be part of the drive or in a different manner.
  • a distance meter lb as mentioned may also be configured in different manners, and, for example, comprise an optical or acoustic sensor and/or be integrated with the drive or another part of the apparatus.
  • the sensors mentioned, at least, force meter la and distance meter lb may, for example, transmit measuring data to a data processor C as mentioned (see FIG. 3) for the purpose of processing of the measuring data and central determination of force constant k. Transfer of data can be done, for instance, via wired and/or wireless communication links (not shown), as will be clear to those skilled in the art.
  • rollers 3, 4 with egg E it may be said that for a roller conveyor RT which is mostly used for that purpose, it can hold: that the conveyor RT is stopped under the detector in each case and the center of gravity of the substantially symmetrical egg body is in a fixed position,
  • the rollers 3, 4 are driven and thereby rotate the egg E about the long axis, or the rollers 3, 4 do not rotate and so the egg E does not rotate about the long axis.
  • the product E does not rotate when the product is being compressed by the detector to determine a k-value as mentioned. According to this invention, there are several ways of contacting the detector with such an object.
  • a descending movement may be made (in compression direction X), with the detector, for instance, fixedly disposed, while only the plate element 1 is moved downwards substantially vertically, perpendicular to the advancing movement of the object, to make contact.
  • the detector plate may, for instance, be fixedly disposed, while the product supporting means (in this case, egg-carrying rollers 3, 4) are moved towards the detector plate for the purpose of the compression of the product by the plate.
  • the product supporting means in this case, egg-carrying rollers 3, 4
  • the detector moves over a relatively small path (in the conveyor transport direction T), moving along with an advancing movement of the conveyor RT. More particularly, the detector pivots, moving along and at the same time downwards, towards the egg, is then briefly located on the egg during compression, and then pivots, moving along, away from the egg again. In the interval between this measurement and the next, the above-mentioned initial position is taken up again to start a corresponding, next pivoting movement. All combinations mentioned hereinabove for the object and for the detector can be carried out. In all cases, preferably, a plurality of measurements per cycle (per product E) are carried out, while the cycle will preferably take a length of time between 0.1 and 1.0 seconds. Multiple types of measurement can be carried out.
  • the relatively small compression force is then such that an intact product (for example, a product without fracture line in a product rind/shell) remains intact (i.e., only undergoes elastic deformation) and sustains no fracture due to the temporary compression.
  • the same compression force is also applied to products to be possibly rejected that already have a crack or weakened site, which can lead to plastic deformation of such a product.
  • the stiffness of an eggshell at least the force constant k of either an intact egg or an egg with a fracture or crack in the shell can be accurately determined in the above described manner.
  • this is, in measuring on the same egg body at several positions and with different values of force and compression, preferably the standard deviation.
  • a correlation coefficient can be obtained, for example, the well known Pearson correlation coefficient (see the website en.wildpedia.org/wiki/Pearson_product-moment_correlation_coefficient).
  • a data processor C as mentioned may for instance be configured to calculate or estimate this correlation coefficient for a product E, using the measured data supplied by the sensors la, lb (concerning a series of measurements) concerning that product E.
  • the data processor C may for instance be configured to deliver an approval signal if it appears that a measured product meets predetermined criteria, for example, the data processor C has determined that the force constant k is within a predetermined approval range (for example, the range of 100 kN/m to 200 kN/m), and/or if data processor C has determined that the force constant k runs linearly, and/or if the data processor C has determined that the Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.99.
  • the data processor C may for instance be configured to deliver a rejection signal if it appears that a measured product meets other
  • the data processor C has determined that the force constant k is within a predetermined rejection range (for example, k ⁇ 100 kN/m), and/or if data processor C has determined that the force constant k does not run linearly, and/or if the data processor C has determined that the Pearson correlation coefficient ⁇ 0.95.
  • a predetermined rejection range for example, k ⁇ 100 kN/m
  • the value 5 kN/m can be used as guide number. This value or one close to it can therefore be set as a threshold in characterizing and sorting.
  • this robust method has been applied to large quantities of eggs that were conveyed on a roller conveyor.
  • the detector was applied, whilst moving along in the transport direction of the roller conveyor, onto eggs lying still thereon, whereby reliable results were obtained with great efficiency.
  • an apparatus may be provided for packaging eggs which are supplied with at least a single conveyor RT from laying hen coops, with a detector 1 for carrying out a method according to the invention, intended for characterizing the eggs and for sorting on the basis of fracture.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé permettant de déterminer avec au moins un seul détecteur la constante de force de produits alimentaires relativement durs et relativement ronds, par exemple, mais pas exclusivement, des œufs, des fruits et des légumes, le procédé comprenant les étapes successives suivantes, - supporter le produit sur au moins deux emplacements de surface, - positionner le détecteur sur au moins un troisième emplacement de surface, ce qui permet de mesurer une force de compression en fonction de la distance de compression au moins deux fois, et - déterminer la constante de force et au moins un paramètre dérivé unique de celle-ci. En outre, la présente invention concerne un appareil pour la mise en œuvre de ce procédé dans lequel, de manière simple, pendant l'emballage ou le tri à la machine et automatisé, des œufs fracturés dans une file d'œufs peuvent être identifiés. On a découvert que, en particulier, dans le traitement de grandes files d'œufs venant d'être pondus, cette approche convient particulièrement bien et est très avantageuse.
PCT/NL2016/050669 2015-10-02 2016-09-30 Détecteur pour déterminer la constante de force de produits alimentaires en particulier des œufs, des fruits et des légumes WO2017058015A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15002821.5 2015-10-02
EP15002821 2015-10-02

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WO2017058015A1 true WO2017058015A1 (fr) 2017-04-06

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994029715A1 (fr) * 1993-06-13 1994-12-22 Barish, Benjamin Procede et appareil pour le controle de la qualite des fruits
US5696325A (en) * 1994-08-26 1997-12-09 K. U. Leuven Research & Development Apparatus for testing eggs
WO2001009602A1 (fr) * 1999-07-30 2001-02-08 Fps Food Processing Systems B.V. Procede et dispositif pour determiner la durete de produits tels que des fruits
EP1107000A1 (fr) * 1999-12-01 2001-06-13 De Greef's Wagen- Carrosserie- en Machinebouw B.V. Méthode et appareil pour déterminer la dureté/élasticité et/ou autres caractéristiques de légumes ou fruits
WO2012060704A1 (fr) * 2010-11-05 2012-05-10 Fps Food Processing Systems B.V. Procédé et appareil pour examiner des oeufs

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994029715A1 (fr) * 1993-06-13 1994-12-22 Barish, Benjamin Procede et appareil pour le controle de la qualite des fruits
US5696325A (en) * 1994-08-26 1997-12-09 K. U. Leuven Research & Development Apparatus for testing eggs
WO2001009602A1 (fr) * 1999-07-30 2001-02-08 Fps Food Processing Systems B.V. Procede et dispositif pour determiner la durete de produits tels que des fruits
EP1107000A1 (fr) * 1999-12-01 2001-06-13 De Greef's Wagen- Carrosserie- en Machinebouw B.V. Méthode et appareil pour déterminer la dureté/élasticité et/ou autres caractéristiques de légumes ou fruits
WO2012060704A1 (fr) * 2010-11-05 2012-05-10 Fps Food Processing Systems B.V. Procédé et appareil pour examiner des oeufs

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