Egg Examining Device Using Angled Laser for Waste Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic egg candling devices have low immunity to waste from egg trays, leading to measurement errors and requiring frequent maintenance due to the arrangement of light sources and receivers in the same vertical plane, which makes them bulky and complex.
Innovation Solution
The use of coherent laser sources allows for a concentrated optical beam that can be positioned at an angle relative to the vertical, protecting it from waste and enabling multi-positioning, along with infrared photodiodes and focusing means for improved accuracy, and synchronization with ambient light waves to reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If light sources and receivers are arranged in the same vertical plane, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes bulky and complex with low immunity to waste from egg trays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical plane configuration to a three-dimensional configuration where the light source is positioned at an angle (5-45 degrees from vertical) and separated from the receiver. This dimensional change allows the light source to be protected from waste falling vertically while maintaining optical path efficiency, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and waste immunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective plate as an intermediary element positioned between the light source and the falling waste. This mediator protects the light source from contamination while allowing the optical beam to pass through, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional light sources are used, then the device is simpler, but the light beam is less concentrated and requires arrangement on the opposite side of the receiving means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source type from conventional incoherent sources to coherent laser sources. This parameter change produces a concentrated, directional optical beam that can be precisely positioned at angles, improving measurement precision while allowing more flexible and less complex device arrangement.
3Ease of repair
If the light source is positioned to be protected from waste, then maintenance needs are reduced, but the light source arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the light source at an angled configuration rather than directly below or opposite the receiver, the patent creates a geometry where waste falling vertically does not reach the light source. This angular arrangement simultaneously achieves protection (reducing maintenance) while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of a protective plate.
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
This configuration reduces maintenance needs, enhances measurement stability, and improves the accuracy of differentiating fertilized from non-fertilized eggs, including living and dead embryos, while minimizing interference from ambient light and waste.
Implementation Method 1
the said emission means comprise for each egg to be visualized at least one coherent laser source forming a coherent optical beam in the direction of the egg
Implementation Method 2
reception means for receiving the luminous flux passing through the egg
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic egg examining device for differentiating between fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs, comprising emission means (3), which comprise, for each egg to be examined, at least one coherent laser source forming a coherent optical beam (31) directed at an egg (9) to be examined, reception means (4), which receive the light flux passing through the egg, and data processing means (7), which process the light flux received by said reception means in order to determine the state - fertilized or unfertilized - of the egg.