Egg Processing Traceability via Optical Identification Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for processing products, such as eggs, lack automated means for identifying the origin of products within a fully automated production environment, making it difficult to achieve reliable traceability and efficient recall processes in case of contamination or defects.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electronic registration means within product holders that include an identification element, which is electronically readable and can be snapped onto or removed from the holders, allowing for automatic recognition and tracking of product origin without requiring electronic coupling between different components of the processing line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If holders with products are fed individually into the feed station and processed automatically, then productivity and automation level are improved, but the ability to trace product origin automatically is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identification element as an intermediary carrier that links the physical holder to the digital registration system. This intermediary allows the automated feed station to convey product origin information without requiring complex electronic coupling between all system components, thus maintaining automation while preserving traceability capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic coupling systems with a simpler optical scanning system. Instead of requiring electronic communication between feed station, holder, and processing station, the system uses optical scanners to read identification elements, enabling automated traceability through non-contact optical detection rather than complex mechanical interconnections
2Reliability
If electronic registration means are integrated into holders, then product origin traceability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into a separate, dedicated identification element rather than integrating it into the holder structure itself. This segmentation allows the identification element to be added independently to holders, providing traceability capability without fundamentally redesigning the holder or requiring complex integration with the processing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (scans) of the identification element rather than requiring direct electronic connection to the physical holder. The identification element contains encoded information that can be read optically, creating a digital copy of the physical identifier that can be processed without continuous physical or electronic connection, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable traceability
3Measurement precision
If identification elements are made electronically readable, then measurement precision of product origin is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based electronic reading with non-contact optical scanning. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and contact between reading devices and identification elements, as optical scanners can read codes from a distance without requiring manufacturing precision in placement or positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reading method from contact-based electrical detection to non-contact optical detection. This parameter change in the reading mechanism allows for greater tolerance in identification element placement, as optical systems can accommodate variations in position without requiring the same level of manufacturing precision that contact-based systems would demand
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A device for processing products, particularly eggs, comprises a feed station (15) intended and adapted to receive holders (11) with products from a collection (10) of holders with products, and a processing station (16) for releasing products from holders with products and processing them. The processing station is provided with feed means (17) for obtaining an identification associated with the collection of holders with products. The feed means comprise for this purpose electronic registration means which are able and adapted to electronically register an identification element (70) which can be associated with the collection of holders with products. At least one holder from the collection of holders with products comprises such an identification element. Products in a chain can thus be traced both upward and downward with a high degree of accuracy.