Diverging Conveyor De-stemming Produce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural processing methods fail to efficiently separate edible portions of produce, such as pods, from inedible portions like stems and calyx, often leaving these unwanted parts attached during harvesting, which can affect efficiency and quality in processing and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A de-stemming apparatus utilizing conveyor units with diverging trajectories to generate a separation force between the edible and inedible portions, where the pod is conveyed along a fixed trajectory while the stem is conveyed along a diverging trajectory, allowing for the separation of the stem and calyx from the pod without cutting or puncturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional harvesting and processing methods are used, then harvesting can be completed, but the edible portions (pods) and inedible portions (stems and calyx) remain attached, reducing processing efficiency and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the produce into different portions (edible pod and inedible stem/calyx) through diverging conveyor trajectories. The pod follows one path while the stem and calyx are diverted onto a separate conveyor, effectively segmenting the attached produce into processable components without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the inedible portions (stem and calyx) from the attached produce by using the diverging trajectory mechanism. The stem, being longer and more flexible, is naturally diverted onto the second conveyor while the pod remains on the first conveyor, effectively taking out the unwanted portions for separate handling.
2Ease of operation
If cutting or puncturing methods are used to separate portions, then separation can be achieved, but the integrity of the pod is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting or puncturing systems with a trajectory-based separation system. By using conveyors that follow different paths, the separation is achieved through motion and geometry rather than forceful mechanical action, thereby preserving the integrity of the pod while still achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the diverging conveyor system as an intermediary mechanism between the attached produce and the final separated state. The conveyors act as mediators that guide different portions along different paths, enabling separation without direct contact or forceful action that would damage the pod.
3Ease of operation
If manual separation is performed, then complete separation can be achieved, but processing time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service separation where the produce itself separates into different portions based on its natural characteristics (pod vs. stem/calyx) and the geometry of the conveyor system. The longer, more flexible stem naturally follows the diverging trajectory onto the second conveyor, while the pod remains on the first conveyor, achieving automatic separation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the conveyors by setting them on diverging trajectories. This geometric parameter change creates automatic separation based on the physical properties of different produce portions, eliminating the need for manual separation while maintaining completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of processing produce are provided. A sizing unit can convey the produce in a first direction, and can release the produce into a produce receptacle of a receiving unit, which can convey the in a second direction. The produce receptacle can include a cavity to receive the produce subsequent to release from the sizing unit with a first portion of the produce at least partially disposed in the cavity and with a second portion of the produce at least partially protruding from the cavity. At least one conveyor unit can receive the produce from the produce receptacle, and can convey the produce in a third direction to separate a first portion of the produce from a second portion of the produce.