Automated Clamshell-Crate Code Association System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating individual unit packaging, such as clamshells, with harvest crates are labor-intensive and lack efficient traceability throughout the distribution chain, requiring manual labeling and reader use by pickers, which hampers productivity and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising conveyors, readers, and association logic that labels and associates unique codes on clamshells with corresponding codes on harvest crates, allowing for automated traceability and minimizing additional labor by storing associations between clamshell and crate codes, enabling efficient tracking from the field to the consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling and reader use by pickers is used to associate clamshells with harvest crates, then traceability is achieved, but labor intensity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies labels with unique codes to clamshells before they reach the harvest crate association point. Readers on the conveyor system automatically scan and associate these pre-labeled clamshells with harvest crates, eliminating the need for pickers to manually perform labeling or reading operations while maintaining complete traceability.
2Productivity
If automated conveyors and readers are used to associate clamshells with harvest crates, then labor is reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system performs multiple functions: it transports clamshells, applies labels, reads codes, and associates data. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the need for separate manual operations and equipment while maintaining automated efficiency.
3Reliability
If unique codes are applied to each clamshell and associated with harvest crates, then traceability is improved, but time for labeling and association increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling and code reading operations occur continuously as clamshells move along the conveyor belt, rather than requiring separate batch processing steps. This continuous operation ensures that traceability data is captured in real-time without adding significant time to the overall packaging process.
4Device complexity
If manual association methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision and accuracy of code association deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated readers that self-correct and verify code associations without human intervention. The association logic automatically matches clamshell codes with harvest crate codes, eliminating human errors in data entry and association while maintaining system simplicity through automated self-verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Clamshells for packaging produce, or other unit packaging, are labeled with unique codes. Harvest crates for transporting filled clamshells from the harvest, or other containers for transporting unit packaging, are also labeled with unique codes. A plurality of labeled un-filled clamshells are nested together and placed into each harvest crate before the harvest, and the codes from the clamshells and the harvest crate are stored in association. In some instances, clamshells are de-nested, labeled with pre-printed labels, and nested again before being placed into the harvest crates. At the harvest the clamshells are removed from the harvest crate, de-nested, filled with produce, packed back into the harvest crate, and moved into the distribution chain. The unique codes are further associated with other information such as harvest data.