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，以正确定价。与其他传感设备（如称重仪、条形码阅读器和摄像头）不同，测量重量需要对物体进行“分离”，即每个包裹必须与其他包裹分开，以便单独装载到由秤支撑的输送机的一小段上。这导致重量测量站成为流量的瓶颈。因此，在包裹递送行业中强烈需要一种创新的方式来测量单个包裹在传送机上以非单一化和非间隔（或随机）方式移动时的重量。与Purolator Inc.合作，PI（Soo Jeon教授）承担了Engage项目，在该项目中，他提出了分布式重量测量辊阵列的概念，并使用概念验证设备展示了一些有希望的结果。拟议的Engage Plus项目旨在利用所追求的发展取得的成功， 这是最初的Engage项目的一部分。更具体地说，我们的目标是通过抑制机械噪音来显著提高重量测量单元的准确性和可靠性，这是Engage项目期间发现的主要技术问题。此外，我们的目标是开发一种按比例放大的全电动重量测量阵列，可以在实际传送带速度下对多个包裹进行操作。在这样做时，我们将采取模块化方法，即将感测部分和致动部分配置为标准化模块，使得任何类型的传感器模块可以与任何类型的运输模块放在一起。如果成功，这项研究的成果将改变运输和物流行业运行分拣设施的方式。此外，该技术具有对涉及使用输送机的众多工业应用产生广泛影响的潜力。发展拟议的 技术将帮助Purolator提高他们的收入，并提高他们在全球市场上的竞争力，因为他们与外国巨头，如联邦快递或UPS的竞争。

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.