Egg Orientation Mechanism with Lifter and Clamshell Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg handling machines face inefficiencies in transporting eggs through multiple processing stations, particularly due to random egg orientations, slow transitions between different conveying mechanisms, and suboptimal release angles, which hinder high-speed processing.
Innovation Solution
An improved egg orientation mechanism that includes a lifter mechanism and sidewall to rotate eggs to a predetermined orientation, a clamshell egg holder with a pivot point below the centerline for secure transfer, and a method of releasing eggs at angles other than 90 degrees to optimize trajectory, allowing direct carrier-to-carrier transfers and eliminating intermediate mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If eggs are transported through multiple processing stations at high speed, then productivity is improved, but egg orientation control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The egg orientation mechanism performs preliminary orientation action before the egg enters the high-speed processing line. The lifter mechanism raises and rotates eggs to a predetermined orientation (larger end leading) before they are released onto the conveying mechanism, ensuring proper orientation is established in advance rather than attempting to control it during high-speed transport
2Ease of operation
If intermediate conveying mechanisms are used between stations, then egg transfer is facilitated, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates intermediate conveying mechanisms by directly transferring eggs from one carrier to another in a streamlined fashion. The clamshell egg holder is designed to receive eggs directly from the orientation mechanism and transfer them to the next processing station's carrier, merging multiple separate transfer stages into a more integrated system that reduces overall complexity and processing time
3Ease of manufacture
If eggs are released at 90 degree angle from overhead conveyer, then transfer is simple, but trajectory optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the release angle parameter from the conventional 90 degrees to optimized angles (greater than or less than 90 degrees). This parameter change optimizes the egg's trajectory during transfer, allowing for faster and more efficient egg delivery to the receiving carrier while maintaining reliable transfer
4Stability of the object's composition
If clamshell cups pivot about pivot axis above centerline, then egg holding is stable, but line speed is reduced due to opening/closing time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional pivot axis location by placing it below the centerline of the egg receiving space rather than above it. This inversion changes the rotation dynamics of the clamshell holder, allowing for faster opening and closing cycles while maintaining stable egg holding during transport, thereby increasing line speed without sacrificing stability
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 solution enables rapid and efficient egg orientation without additional inspection, ensures proper orientation for high-speed processing, reduces skidding, and maximizes line speeds by leveraging the natural characteristics of eggs and optimizing the trajectory of egg transfers.
Implementation Method 1
the lifter mechanism raises a portion of each egg away from the first egg conveying mechanism to off balance the egg
Implementation Method 2
an end of the off balance egg contacts the sidewall to rotate the egg and to orient the egg with the larger end of the egg leading
Data Source
AI summary
An egg orientation mechanism orients eggs within an egg handling machine including a plurality of randomly arranged eggs on a first egg conveying mechanism. A lifter mechanism located on the first egg conveying mechanism raises each egg away from the egg conveying mechanism to off balance and rotate the egg so that the egg is oriented to with larger end of egg leading as egg is released into a second egg conveying mechanism. A clamshell egg receiver includes a front wall, a rear wall and egg receiving space formed between front wall and the rear wall. Either one of front wall or rear wall pivots about a pivot point located below a centerline of the egg receiving space. A method of releasing an egg includes holding an egg by an egg holder, rotating the egg holder and releasing the egg at an angle greater or less than 90 degrees.