Sensor to Determine Volume

2rlp · Apr 22, 2017

Have to determine volumes of packages on a conveyor. Client suggests that i utilise 3 ultrasonic analog sensors to do this. My concern is "what if the package has an odd shape?". Are there any sensors that can do this?

Thanks

Ron

shooter · Apr 23, 2017

yes and no
ultrasonic will not be very precise and does not work well in a noisy environment.
so the best way is to use laser or infrared distance sensors.
if it gets complex you will need to use cameras.

Pete.S. · Apr 23, 2017

+1 on laser distance sensors (visible light). They're not that cheap though.

treellama · Apr 23, 2017

Years ago I saw this done with a light curtain to determine cross sectional area and an encoder measuring the package as it moved. Not sure of the light curtain manufacturer - and it would seem to give you only a carton height, not a width. Something like this might get you started

https://www.bannerengineering.com/us/en/products/sensors/measuring-arrays.html#all

Flopro · Apr 23, 2017

Here's another possibility:
http://www.ifm.com/ifmus/web/pmain020_020_010.htm

Edmhydraulics · Apr 23, 2017

IFM's 3D camera systems can quickly and accurately determine volume of non regular objects.

2rlp · Apr 27, 2017

Sorry friends, was busy with another project and didnt have time to thank you all for your replies.
Customer is adamant, and wants to use this 3 analog ultrasonic sensor system. wants a rough value of volume.

Thanks once again

spaderkung · Apr 27, 2017

There's a wide range of ultra sonic sensors and you can get better than mm precision. Package shape and its alignment on the conveyor is the problem here as you have 3 points only measured.

Sensor to Determine Volume

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