Development of high precision in-motion weight sensor array for non-singulated packages

自动分拣设备最重要的功能之一是测量每个包裹的大小（尺寸）和/或重量，以便正确定价。与其他传感设备（即尺寸计、条形码读取器和摄像头）不同，测量重量需要对物体进行“单独”处理，即每个包裹必须与其他包裹分开，以便在由秤支撑的传送带的短段上单独装载。这使得称重站成为流量的瓶颈。因此，包装运输行业迫切需要一种创新的方法来测量单个包装在传送带上以非单一和非间隔（或随机）的方式移动时的重量。在与Purolator公司的合作中，PI （Soo Jeon教授）承担了Engage项目，他提出了分布式称重滚子阵列的概念，并使用概念验证设备展示了一些有希望的结果。拟议的“参与+”项目旨在利用所追求的发展所取得的成功

One of the most important functions of the automated sorting facility is to measure the size (dimension) and/or the weight of each package for correct pricing. Unlike other sensory devices (i.e. dimensioner, barcode reader and camera), measuring weight needs "singulation" of the object, i.e. each package has to be separated from others so that it can be loaded, individually, on a short section of the conveyor supported by a scale. This causes the weight measurement station to become a bottleneck of flow. Therefore, there has been a strong need among package deliver industries for an innovative way to measure the weight of an individual package while it is moving on a conveyor in a non-singulated and a non-spaced (or random) way. In collaboration with Purolator Inc., the PI (Prof. Soo Jeon) took on the Engage project where he proposed a concept of distributed weight-measuring roller arrays and demonstrated some promising results using the proof-of-concept device. The proposed Engage Plus project aims to capitalize on the success achieved from the development pursued as part of the original Engage project. More specifically, we aim to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of the weight measurement cells by suppressing mechanical noise, which is the main technical issue identified during the Engage project. Furthermore, we aim to develop a scaled-up, fully-motorized version of the weight measuring arrays that can operate on multiple packages transported at the actual conveyor speeds. In doing so, we will take the modularization approach, i.e. to configure the sensing part and the actuation part as standardized modules so that, any type of sensor module can be put together with any type of transport modules. If successful, the outcomes of this research will transform the way the transportation and logistics industry run their sorting facilities. Furthermore, the technology holds a potential to make a broad impact to numerous industrial applications that are involved in the use of conveyors. The development of the proposed technology will help Purolator raise their revenue and increase their competitiveness in the global market as they compete with foreign giants such as FeDex or UPS.