Egg Processing Head Pulley Lift Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical egg processing systems face issues with suboptimal control and motion of the processing head due to pneumatic lift systems, which can cause binding, uneven leveling, and high air pressure requirements, limiting precise and efficient egg processing.
Innovation Solution
A pulley system-based lift assembly with a motorized drive assembly, including a drive pulley, idler pulleys, and elongate drive members, allows for controlled vertical motion of the egg processing head, enabling precise and efficient interaction with eggs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic lift systems are used to move the processing head, then lifting function is achieved, but binding occurs and the head cannot be level as it descends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic lift system with an electric motor-driven pulley system. The motor (462) connects to a drive pulley (452) that winds and unwinds an elongate drive member (454) to move the processing head (200) vertically. This mechanical-electrical substitution eliminates the binding issues inherent in pneumatic systems while providing precise control through motor regulation, ensuring the head remains level during descent and ascent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the use of pneumatic systems entirely by transitioning to an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The previous pneumatic lift cylinder that caused binding and leveling issues is replaced by a motor (462) connected to a drive pulley (452), which uses an elongate drive member (454) to provide smooth, controlled vertical motion without the binding problems associated with pneumatic operation.
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic lift systems are used, then lifting function is achieved, but speed of motion cannot be controlled for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control through the electric motor (462) that drives the pulley system. The motor's rotational speed can be precisely regulated to control the descent and ascent speed of the processing head (200). This allows optimization of motion speed for different processing requirements, improving both operational control and processing efficiency compared to fixed-speed pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the speed-uncontrollable pneumatic system with an electric motor-driven system where speed is easily controlled through motor regulation. The motor (462) connected to the drive pulley (452) allows precise adjustment of the elongate drive member (454) winding speed, enabling optimal motion control for different processing scenarios and improving overall productivity.
3Force
If pneumatic lift cylinder is scaled up to large head size, then lifting capacity increases, but large amounts of high pressure air are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic lift cylinder with an electric motor-driven pulley system. The motor (462) provides lifting force through mechanical advantage of the pulley system, eliminating the need for high-pressure air. This substitution maintains lifting capacity for large processing heads while dramatically reducing energy consumption by using electrical power instead of compressed air.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic cylinders are used, then lifting function is achieved, but multiple stop positions require increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic cylinders with an electric motor-driven pulley system that naturally provides multiple stop positions through motor control. The motor (462) can be programmed to stop at any position along the vertical travel range of the processing head (200) without requiring additional mechanical components. This eliminates the cost increase associated with pneumatic systems that need extra valves and positioning mechanisms for multiple stops.
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 pulley system provides accurate and controlled motion of the egg processing head, reducing energy consumption and enabling multiple stop positions without increased costs, enhancing the overall efficiency and precision of egg processing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly (460) having a lift motor (462) and a drive shaft (464), the drive pulley (452) being attached to the drive shaft (464) to facilitate rotation thereof
Implementation Method 2
A pulley system is provided including an elongate drive member, a plurality of idler pulleys, and a drive pulley
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame (110) and a lift assembly (400) operably engaged with the frame (110). The lift assembly (400) has a pulley system. An egg processing head (200) is operably engaged with the pulley system. A plurality of egg processing devices is operably engaged with the egg processing head (200). The pulley system is configured to move the egg processing head (200) such that the egg processing devices are capable of interacting with eggs provided proximate thereto. An associated method is also provided.