Egg Marking Inkjet System Continuous Conveyor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg marking systems face challenges in efficiently and uniformly marking eggs on a conveyor belt, particularly due to the need for conveyor belt stops during stamping and the limitations of single-color stamps and laser printing, which hinder efficient data transfer and image complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple inkjet printing modules aligned adjacent a conveyor belt, allowing for continuous movement and versatile image printing without the need for conveyor stops, using an inkjet print head that follows the curvature of the egg and can produce colorful, dynamic images, and utilizing WiFi control for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stamping is used to mark eggs, then marking is achieved, but conveyor belt stops are required which reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stamping system with an inkjet printing system that uses sprayed ink droplets to mark eggs. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact and conveyor stopping, allowing continuous operation while achieving reliable marking. The inkjet print head moves independently of the conveyor belt, spraying ink on eggs as they pass by.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ink as an intermediary medium to transfer information to the egg surface. Instead of direct mechanical stamping, the inkjet system sprays ink droplets that adhere to the egg shell, creating the desired marking. This intermediary approach allows non-contact marking and maintains conveyor continuous operation.
2Reliability
If single-color stamps are used, then marking is achieved, but image complexity and data transfer capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of color from single-color (stamping) to multi-color (inkjet printing). The inkjet system can mix different colored inks and vary ink concentration to produce full-color images, barcodes, and complex patterns on eggs. This parameter change enables significantly increased image complexity and data transfer capabilities while maintaining reliable marking.
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet printing system serves multiple functions: it can print text, barcodes, colorful images, and variable data on eggs. The system is universally applicable to different marking requirements, replacing the limited single-function stamping system. The print head can be programmed to output various patterns and information types, enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If laser printing is used, then marking is achieved, but operational interruptions occur and image versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laser printing with inkjet printing technology. While laser printing requires precise positioning and often conveyor stopping, the inkjet system uses sprayed ink droplets that can be deposited on moving eggs. This substitution maintains marking reliability while enabling continuous conveyor operation, as the inkjet print head can track and mark eggs in motion without requiring operational interruptions.
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
Enables efficient, uniform, and versatile marking of eggs with increased data transfer capabilities, reducing operational interruptions and enhancing traceability through colorful, programmable images and random number generation for tracking purposes.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet print head that follows the curvature of the egg and can produce colorful, dynamic images
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for marking eggs by stamping and printing thereon.