Compactor system and method for compacting products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compaction methods for products, particularly seafood, require manual labor, leading to physically demanding, unsafe, and inefficient work with high product damage and low economic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated compactor system with a compacting unit, gear motors, receiving sections, and a control panel, allowing for automated product compaction into blocks, reducing manual labor and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compaction methods are used, then workers can perform the compaction task, but the work is physically demanding, unsafe, and causes high product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The compactor system performs compaction automatically without human intervention. The control panel receives signals and activates the drive unit to move the compacting means, which automatically compacts products in the receiving section. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual labor while maintaining consistent compaction quality and reducing product damage through controlled automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual compaction methods are used, then workers can perform the compaction task, but the working environment is inferior and workers are at risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The automated compactor system eliminates the need for workers to physically perform compaction tasks. The control panel and drive unit automatically operate the compacting means, removing workers from potentially harmful environments and eliminating risks associated with manual compaction operations.
3Extent of automation
If automated compaction system is implemented, then manual labor is reduced and safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated compactor system is divided into distinct functional modules: a control panel for receiving signals and controlling operations, a drive unit for providing motion, and compacting means for performing compaction. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized, managing overall system complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compacting unit is designed to be versatile and adaptable. The control panel can receive signals from various sources, the drive unit can operate different types of compacting means, and the system can handle different product types in receiving sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, managing complexity through universal design.
4Productivity
If automated compaction system is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but the initial investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated compactor system enables continuous compaction operations without interruption by manual tasks. The control panel can sequentially activate multiple compacting means or repeatedly operate the same means on different receiving sections, maintaining continuous productive action. This continuity significantly improves productivity compared to intermittent manual compaction, justifying the increased system complexity through sustained high-efficiency operation.
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
The system provides safer, more reliable, and more efficient compaction with reduced product damage, enabling easier storage and transportation of compressed blocks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor, preferably a gear motor, more preferably two gear motors
Implementation Method 2
compacting the products in one or more first receiving section by: moving in a vertical downwards direction the compacting means, providing a push force from the top of the receiving sections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compactor system (100) for compacting associated products, preferably into blocks, and preferably said associated products being seafood products, said system comprising: a compacting unit (200), said compacting unit comprising compacting means (300), such as a plate or spade, preferably said system comprising two compacting means, a horizontal drive unit (400), at least one motor (500), preferably a gear motor, more preferably two gear motors, a receiving section (600), preferably a plurality of receiving sections, for receiving the associated products to be compact, a control panel (700), and preferably a rail (800) whereon the compacting unit is arranged and moved on. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of compacting a product.