www.cip.csiro.au
Metal in Food Detection Introduction to the project The presence of foreign metal bodies in foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products and in security areas such as airports and corrective services is of major concern to producers and authorities. The CSIRO developed a highly sensitive metal
detector using superconducting sensors to inspect food products for stainless steel contaminants. The CSIRO had demonstrated the working principle and superior technical capabilities of the system. However, a market survey to identify
key requirements for a commercial system such as price and practicability in factory environment had not been performed. Aim was to redesign the prototype incorporating the findings from the market survey.
Figure 1. Before Industrial Redesign: The initial laboratory prototype
The Role Industrial Design has Played within the Project The role industrial design has played within this project has been vital and can be summarised under the following headings. Market Analysis A market survey and costing study was performed to identify (1) the existing market for metal detectors in Australia, (2) customer requirements such as alarm systems to be incorporated, (3) the need for electric cooling of the superconducting sensors operating at –196°C, and (4) the acceptable price range in comparison to conventional systems. It was realized that a superconducting metal detection system had to be electrically cooled to be accepted within the industry, and that the customer is willing to pay extra for quality and sensitivity.
Ergonomics Ergonomic factors were analyzed and incorporated into the system design in terms of adjustable height of the machine and screen visibility. Conceptual Development and Design Realisation Various numbers of alternative design concepts were developed and discussed and evaluated with technical and scientific developers. Concepts were realized through 3D computer modeling (see figure 2 which shows the final design). The final design was realized as a 1:1 timber model. Minimising Costs By minimizing the amount of material and reducing the number of parts, ways for reduction of manufacturing costs were identified.
Manufacturing of the device The manufacturability of the instrument was analyzed and a manufacturing plan created. A detailed 3D computer model was generated for the final design, listing all parts, part and material costs, and cost for labor to assemble the system. In this way, the system price was determined which allowed analysis of the economic viability. Decision on future development Based on the results of the market survey and the cost analysis, a decision was made to further develop electric cooling to be incorporated into the system for future commercialization. This development is ongoing.
For further information about PERSiMONÂŽ contact
Industrial Design by
Dr Marcel Bick
Ryan Punch
+61 (0)2 94137473
0401 222511
marcel.bick@csiro.au
valiant_freak@pacific.net.au
Figure 2. The redesigned metal-in-food detector incorporating a cryocooler.