Crustacean De-heading Apparatus with Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The crustacean de-heading process in the fishing industry is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, with existing automated solutions failing to reliably and accurately separate the head from the tail without damaging the product, leading to inefficiencies and quality issues due to prolonged ambient storage of prawns.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reciprocating member and a conveying surface, with a pinch roller and light detection system, to accurately separate the head from the tail of crustaceans by pinching and cutting at a predetermined location, assisted by a pusher and air jets for collection, integrated with a feeder and singulating device for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual de-heading is used, then product quality is maintained, but labor costs and processing time are excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The crustacean's own anatomical features (head transparency vs. tail opacity, body shape) are utilized by the light sensor system to automatically determine cutting position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual inspection and positioning while maintaining high product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical de-heading with an automated system combining light sensors for detection, computer control for decision-making, and mechanical actuators for precise cutting, thereby maintaining quality while dramatically increasing productivity
2Productivity
If automated de-heading is attempted, then productivity increases, but reliability and accuracy of separation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor system provides real-time feedback on crustacean orientation and positioning, allowing the computer control system to adjust cutting parameters dynamically, ensuring reliable and accurate separation while maintaining high processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and positioning of the crustacean using light sensors before the cutting action occurs, ensuring that the cut is made at the correct location and orientation, thereby guaranteeing separation accuracy
3Productivity
If crustaceans are stored in ambient temperature for extended periods, then processing capacity is maintained, but product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed automated de-heading system operates continuously without interruption, processing crustaceans immediately upon receipt and eliminating prolonged storage periods, thereby maintaining product quality while achieving high processing capacity
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 solution enables reliable, fast, and accurate de-heading of crustaceans, improving productivity and product quality while reducing labor costs and time inefficiencies, providing a more efficient alternative to manual de-heading.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter mounted on one side of conveying surface and at least one light receiver mounted on an opposite side of the conveying surface for detecting the presence of a crustacean therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing crustaceans comprising a feeder for feeding crustaceans to a singulating and conveying device, said singulating and conveying device delivering the crustaceans individually to at least one separating device, said at least one separating device separating the tail section of each crustacean from the head section thereof.