Egg Decapping Cutter With Integrated Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated decapping systems for avian eggs produce a debris-filled environment due to the accumulation of egg cap shell debris and fluids, which complicates the harvesting process and increases system contamination during biologic production.
Innovation Solution
An egg decapping apparatus featuring a reference plate with openings to stabilize eggs and a movable cutter and cleaning member that creates an opening in the egg cap while simultaneously removing debris, reducing the accumulation of shell fragments and fluids within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional automated decapping systems are used to process mass quantities of eggs, then productivity is improved, but egg cap debris and artifacts accumulate in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes egg cap debris from the processing area using a dedicated debris removal system. The system includes a debris tray positioned to receive cut egg caps and a debris removal mechanism that actively clears debris from the reference plate and cutter member, preventing accumulation during mass processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cleaning member as an intermediary element between the cutter member and the reference plate. This cleaning member acts as a mediator to transfer and remove debris from the cutting area, enabling continuous processing without manual intervention while maintaining a clean working environment.
2Productivity
If automated decapping systems process mass quantities of eggs, then productivity is improved, but system contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts harmful contaminants (egg fluids and debris) from the processing environment through dedicated removal mechanisms. The debris tray and cleaning member work together to extract and isolate contaminants from the reference plate and cutter member, preventing system contamination during high-volume processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member is designed to automatically clean the reference plate and cutter member during the processing cycle without requiring external intervention. This self-service cleaning function continuously removes contaminants, maintaining system hygiene during mass egg processing operations.
3Productivity
If the cutter member accumulates debris during decapping, then manufacturing precision deteriorates, but continuous operation is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member operates continuously or periodically during the decapping process to remove debris from the cutter member and reference plate. This continuous cleaning action maintains cutting precision throughout extended production runs without requiring system shutdowns or manual maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter member and reference plate are equipped with self-cleaning capabilities through the integrated cleaning member. The system automatically removes accumulated debris during operation, maintaining manufacturing precision without external intervention and enabling continuous high-precision decapping operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An egg decapping apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a reference plate defining a plurality of reference openings therethrough. Each reference opening is adapted to receive an avian egg therein from a lower side of the reference plate and to stop further upward movement of the avian egg within the reference opening when an upper egg section to be cut extends from the reference opening above the reference plate. A cutter member is positioned above the reference plate. The cutter member is moveable across the reference plate and the reference openings from a precut position to a post cut position for creating an opening in the upper egg section. A cleaning member is moveable with the cutter member across the reference plate. The cleaning member is actuatable at the post cut position so as to remove debris from the upper egg section accumulated on the cutter member. Associated methods are also provided.