Adjustable Roller Sorting Mechanism for Berry Size Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting apparatuses for small berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, require multiple conveyors or sorters to separate different sizes, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and struggle to quickly adjust for varying berry sizes.
Innovation Solution
A sorting apparatus with a frame, sorting surface assembly, roller control assembly, and drive assembly that includes movable cam surfaces and adjustment mechanisms to alter the spacing between roller members, allowing for the separation of multiple sizes on a single conveyor by adjusting the cam surfaces and drive belts to change the passageway size between rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors or sorters are used to separate different sizes of berries, then sorting capability is improved, but processing time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sorting functions into a single conveyor system by incorporating multiple sets of adjustable rollers. Each roller set can be independently adjusted to create different passageway sizes, allowing one conveyor to perform the sorting function that previously required multiple separate conveyors or sorters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor system is designed with universal capability to sort multiple berry sizes simultaneously. The adjustable rollers enable the same conveyor to adapt to different sorting requirements, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated separate conveyors for each size category.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors or sorters are used to separate different sizes of berries, then sorting capability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sorting operations into a single conveyor system with multiple adjustable roller sets, the patent eliminates the sequential processing time that would be required to move berries through multiple separate conveyors. All sorting decisions are made simultaneously on one pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system maintains continuous operation without interruption for reconfiguration. The adjustable rollers can be quickly modified during operation, allowing the system to adapt to different sorting requirements while maintaining continuous flow, thereby reducing idle time and improving overall processing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If sorters are adjusted to capture and sort a particular size of berries, then sorting precision is improved, but adjustment speed for differently sized berries decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable rollers that can be quickly repositioned to create different passageway sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the sorter to rapidly adapt to different berry sizes while maintaining precise sorting control, eliminating the trade-off between precision and adjustment speed found in static sorter designs.
4Device complexity
If a single conveyor is used to sort multiple sizes of berries, then device complexity is reduced, but sorting precision for different sizes becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor is segmented into multiple functional zones with separate adjustable roller sets. Each roller set can be independently positioned and adjusted to create specific passageway sizes, allowing the system to achieve precise sorting for different berry sizes while maintaining the simplicity of a single conveyor structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient sorting of multiple sizes of berries on a single conveyor, reducing the need for multiple machines and allowing for quick adjustments to accommodate different berry sizes, thereby improving sorting efficiency and reducing processing time.
Implementation Method 1
A first movable cam surface adjustment assembly is coupled to the first side first movable cam surface and the second side first movable cam surface. The first movable cam surface adjustment assembly is configured to move the first side first movable cam surface and the second side first movable cam surface so as to alter the position of the second roller members having respective first and second followers on the first and second side first movable cam surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting apparatus comprising a frame, a sorting surface assembly, a roller control assembly, a first movable cam surface adjustment assembly and a drive assembly. The sorting apparatus is configured, through adjustment of the sorting surface by the roller control assembly, to separate small particles and articles, such as fruit berries, based on the relative size thereof.