Egg Inspection Shuttle with Segmented Holding and Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg sorting machines in the poultry industry face challenges in achieving optimal positioning and lighting conditions for reliable and efficient sex determination of avian eggs, leading to suboptimal examination results.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle system that integrates a holding assembly and lighting system, allowing for secure positioning and illumination of eggs from multiple angles, with a base and flange configuration that supports the egg from both ends and includes movable lighting devices powered externally to prevent hindrance and ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eggs are positioned in a tray where they can take any position, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the positioning and lighting conditions are suboptimal for reliable examination
Solution Approach 1:
The holding assembly is segmented into a base with a lower cavity and a flange with an upper cavity, allowing independent positioning of each component to achieve optimal egg presentation. This segmentation enables precise control of egg orientation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle acts as an intermediary device between the egg tray and the examination system. It provides a standardized holding structure that ensures optimal positioning and lighting conditions, mediating between the simple tray system and the requirements for reliable examination.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned on only one side of the object, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lighting conditions are insufficient for optimal presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations (upper cavity, lower cavity, and lateral positions). This allows optimal illumination from multiple angles while keeping each individual light source simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Lighting is provided from multiple spatial dimensions (upper, lower, and lateral directions) rather than a single direction. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive illumination of the egg for optimal presentation during examination.
3Reliability
If the holding assembly occupies a spaced position allowing object removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the object cannot be held and immobilized during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holding assembly dynamically transitions between two states: a spaced position for easy loading/unloading of eggs, and a holding position where the upper and lower cavities come together to firmly immobilize the egg during movement and examination. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and holding stability.
4Reliability
If lighting devices are integrated into the holding assembly, then the structure is more compact, but the lighting devices may be hindered and reliable operation compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical connector assemblies act as intermediaries between the external power source and the lighting devices. This allows the lighting devices to be integrated into the holding assembly for compactness while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the connector interface, resolving the contradiction between integration and operational reliability.
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 shuttle system ensures stable and optimal presentation of eggs, enabling 360-degree inspection and efficient sorting by maintaining the eggs in a fixed position during movement and providing adequate lighting for accurate sex determination.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device configured to emit light, for example a light beam, towards the associated receiving opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a shuttle (1) and a machine comprising at least one such shuttle (1), which shuttle (1) comprises: - a holding assembly having a base (2) having at least one lower cavity adapted to receive a lower end region of an object (O) and having a flange (4) supported by the base (2) having, opposite the lower cavity, an upper cavity adapted to receive an upper end region of the object (O), in use, the holding assembly (2-4) being configured to occupy a holding position in the position of the object (O); - at least one lighting device located in one of the upper and lower cavities; - electrical connection means comprising an electrical connector assembly (70) accessible from outside the base (2) and an electrically conductive assembly forming an electrical path between the electrical connector assembly (70) and the lighting device(s).