Automated Fish Saddling With Catching, Centring, And Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fish processing methods require manual saddling of beheaded and eviscerated fish on holding apparatuses, leading to operator fatigue and reduced efficiency and precision due to the physical demands and variability of fish dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame structure, transport device, and automated modules for feeding, catching, centring, and taking over fish to ensure precise and reproducible saddling on holding apparatuses, including a feed device with cascade-like receptacles, catching and centring device, and take-over device to align and transfer fish automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual saddling of fish is performed by operators, then flexibility in handling fish is maintained, but operator fatigue increases and precision decreases due to physical load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robot system. The robot gripper automatically grasps fish at predetermined positions (head and tail) and transports them to holding apparatuses, eliminating operator physical strain while maintaining consistent positioning precision through programmed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated feedback loops. Sensors detect fish positions and robot movements are automatically adjusted to achieve precise saddling without continuous human intervention. The system monitors and corrects its own positioning to maintain reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual saddling is used, then adaptability to different fish sizes is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities. The gripper size and positioning coordinates are programmably adjusted to match different fish dimensions. The system can adapt to varying fish sizes by modifying robot parameters without changing the fundamental automated process, thereby maintaining high efficiency across different species and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying robot control parameters (gripper opening width, grasping position coordinates, movement speed) to accommodate different fish dimensions. This allows the automated system to maintain optimal processing efficiency while adapting to various fish sizes through software adjustments rather than hardware changes.
3Extent of automation
If automated robot saddling is implemented, then operator load is reduced and precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. A single robot unit performs multiple tasks: grasping fish at different positions, transporting fish to holding apparatuses, and coordinating with sensors for positioning. This universal robot design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor systems as intermediaries between the robot and the fish. These sensors (optical, tactile, or proximity detectors) mediate the interaction by providing real-time position data to the robot controller, enabling precise automated saddling without requiring complex mechanical sensing mechanisms integrated directly into the robot structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for saddling fish on holding apparatuses for further processing comprises: a frame structure; a transport device on the frame structure, for transporting fish tail first and abdominal cavity downwards in a direction T along a transport path, wherein the transport device comprises: a transport unit that is driven rotatingly, and a holding apparatus on the transport unit comprising a fastening element and a holding plate for holding the fish during processing; a feed device for feeding the fish into a region of the transport device; a catching and centring device to catch and centre the fish parallel to the transport direction T; and a take-over device for taking the fish from the catching and centring device, holding the fish, and releasing the fish as soon as a holding apparatus transported through the fish captures the fish and pulls them from the take-over device.