Draft Handler Spatula and Elastomeric Band for L-Board Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated handling systems for food products in shingle form, such as bacon, require manual intervention to reverse the orientation of the product on a sanitary L-board and fold the return flap, which is labor-intensive and prone to errors and variations.
Innovation Solution
An automated draft handler system utilizing a robotic arm with a spatula and an elastomeric band to pick up, reorient, and place draft products on a conveyor system, enabling the folding of the L-board return flap and reorientation of the product for proper placement into thermoforming equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to reverse the orientation of the product on the L-board and fold the return flap, then the product can be reoriented for proper placement into thermoforming equipment, but labor intensity increases and errors and variations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the conveyor belt's own movement and the L-board's hinge mechanism to achieve automatic reorientation. The L-board is designed to pivot automatically as it moves through the conveyor system, reversing the product orientation without manual intervention. The return flap folds automatically due to the hinge mechanism and the natural movement of the conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-board is designed with a hinge that allows it to dynamically change orientation as it moves through the conveyor system. The board transitions from a flat configuration to a folded configuration automatically, utilizing the dynamic movement of the conveyor belt and gravitational forces to achieve the required 180-degree rotation and folding action.
2Productivity
If manual rotation and folding operations are performed, then the L-board and draft can be repositioned, but processing speed decreases and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The L-board is pre-configured with the hinge mechanism and return flap positioned in advance. As the board moves through the conveyor system, these pre-positioned features automatically perform the rotation and folding actions at the optimal moment, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and maintaining high processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the conveyor belt movement and the L-board orientation change. The hinge translates the linear motion of the conveyor into the rotational motion required to reverse the product orientation and fold the return flap, enabling automatic repositioning without complex manual manipulation.
3Extent of automation
If automated mechanical devices are used for high-volume handling, then processing speed increases, but the system cannot perform orientation reversal and folding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The L-board is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a support structure for the draft product and as an active mechanism for orientation reversal and folding. The hinge mechanism enables the same L-board to perform multiple functions: supporting the product during conveyance, automatically rotating it 180 degrees, and folding the return flap over the product, all within a single automated sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the L-board automatically as it moves through the conveyor system. The hinge mechanism enables the board to transition between different angular positions (0 degrees during loading, 180 degrees during conveyance, and folded position during packaging), allowing the automated system to adapt the product orientation to match the requirements of different processing stages.
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 automated draft handler system significantly reduces manual labor, minimizes errors and variations, and ensures continuous automation in the production, sealing, and packaging of food products by efficiently reorienting and positioning the draft products.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric band extended between a pair of band frame components, the elastomeric band having a leading edge and a grip surface, the leading edge configured to urge an L-board return into an acute angle with a generally forward motion of the draft handler
Implementation Method 2
the grip surface configured to be pushed against and conform to the upper surface of a draft with a generally downward motion of the draft handler
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a draft handler. The draft handler has a tool stem adapter for coupling to a robotic arm, and has a spatula for lifting a draft product and an elastomeric band for gripping the draft product. The robotic arm moves the draft handler to pick up the draft product in a first orientation from a first conveyor assembly, and to place the draft product on a second conveyor assembly, optionally in a second orientation.