Arcuate Separating Element for Broccoli Core Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing cores from harvested heading plants, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are inefficient in separating the economically valuable florets from the less valuable core and stalk, requiring multiple operations and not facilitating a continuous mechanized process.
Innovation Solution
A device with an arcuate, preferably U-shaped, separating element that can pivot to make a single cutting movement to separate florets from the core and stalk, equipped with detection means and an adjusting mechanism for precise positioning, and a gripper for secure handling, allowing for efficient separation in a continuous mechanized process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple operations are used to remove the core and separate florets, then the separation can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations (stalk removal and core separation) into a single cutting movement using one separating element. The separating element makes one continuous motion that simultaneously detaches the stalk and separates the core from the florets, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and reducing process complexity while maintaining separation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating element is designed with a specific geometry (arcuate or U-shaped) that segments the cutting action into distinct functional zones along its path. This allows different portions of the plant (stalk, core, florets) to be separated in sequence during a single movement, achieving complex separation through a simplified unified operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple operations are performed on the conveyor belt, then core removal is achieved, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The separating element performs a continuous cutting movement without interruption, removing the stalk and separating the core in one uninterrupted action. This eliminates the idle time and repositioning required between multiple discrete operations, significantly increasing processing speed while ensuring complete separation of all plant parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The plant is positioned and clamped in advance before the separating element arrives. The clamping means secure the plant at the appropriate location, and the separating element is pre-positioned with the correct orientation, so that when the cutting movement begins, all conditions are optimal for immediate efficient separation without delays for adjustment or repositioning.
3Device complexity
If the separating element is stationary, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to variations in plant position, shape and dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The separating element is designed to be movable rather than stationary, capable of pivoting or rotating to change its orientation. This dynamic capability allows the separating element to adapt its cutting path to match variations in plant position, shape, and dimension, ensuring effective separation across different plant types and conditions while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates detection means that monitor plant characteristics and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the separating element's position and orientation are automatically adjusted to optimize the cutting movement for each specific plant, enabling adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated mechanical structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning and orientation of the separating element is used, then adaptability to plant variations is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses detection means (such as cameras or sensors) to locate and characterize each plant. The control system then automatically commands the separating element to the correct position and orientation, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining full adaptability to plant variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the separating element to self-adjust its position and orientation based on real-time detection of plant characteristics. The system automatically detects plant location and dimensions, calculates the optimal cutting path, and positions the separating element accordingly without human intervention, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability to each plant's unique features.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for removing a core from harvested heading plants (5) comprising a stalk and, on said stalk, a head, such as in particular broccoli and cauliflower. The device is provided with positioning means (2,3) for positioning the plant, which positioning means comprise clamping means (7,9) for clamping the plant stalk therebetween, and with separating means. The separating means comprise at least one separating element (16) which is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the separating element extends on one side of the stalk and in the second position the separating element extends on the other side of the stalk such that after moving the separating element between the first position and the second position, a separation between the stalk with the core and the remaining part of the plant during movement of the separating element from the first position to the second position.