Modelling the physics of high speed product-weighing

Abstract

Compac Sorting Equipment Auckland (Compac) manufactures and exports high-speed, accurate sorting systems for fruit and vegetables. Their sizers operate at between 10-15 pieces of fruit per second per lane. They weigh each piece of fruit individually, using a pair of cantilever loadcells, in less than 1/10 of a second. Compac wanted a mathematical model of the weighing process, that will help them to accurately weigh heavier fruit (more than 250g) at higher speeds (in less than a tenth of a second). They also asked for help with easing back on the size and stability of the weighing assembly, which would reduce the physical size and manufacturing cost of the overall system.