Egg Handling Suction Cups Using Bellows and Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg handling robotic systems using vacuum-powered suction cups face contamination issues due to open-ended vacuum sources and plenums, and require increased vacuum power to compensate for unoccupied cups, leading to contamination and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An egg pick-up and transfer system with individual, independently controlled suction cups that operate without a negative pressure source, using separate valves for each pick-up location, and a control system for actuating these valves, which also incorporates air flow for cleaning and disinfection to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common vacuum source is used for all suction cups, then the system can lift multiple objects simultaneously, but the vacuum source must be increasingly powerful to compensate for unoccupied cups, increasing energy consumption and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common vacuum system into individual vacuum sources for each suction cup. Each suction cup has its own vacuum generator, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables each vacuum source to only power the specific cup needed, eliminating the need for a powerful central vacuum source that must compensate for all unoccupied cups in the array.
2Device complexity
If a common vacuum plenum is used above the suction cup array, then the system structure is simplified, but the open-ended plenum becomes a significant source of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the common vacuum plenum from the system entirely. By eliminating this open-ended chamber that connected all suction cups to a central vacuum source, the source of contamination is extracted and removed. Each suction cup now has its own sealed vacuum system, preventing contaminated air from circulating across the egg handling area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If individual vacuum sources are used for each suction cup, then contamination is reduced and energy efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each suction cup is equipped with its own vacuum generator, making the system self-sufficient at the cup level. Each unit independently generates and maintains its own vacuum without requiring coordination with other cups or a central control system. This decentralized self-service approach simplifies control logic while maintaining individual cup independence.
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 system effectively lifts and releases eggs without a vacuum source, reducing contamination and operational costs, improving egg handling efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for powerful vacuum systems and minimizing cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
compression of the bellows may be accomplished by lowering of a support plate to the egg support assembly... forcing air out through the egg interface... creating a reduced pressure within the bellows relative to the local atmosphere which is communicated to the sealed circular ring
Implementation Method 2
The air space... is maintained at atmospheric pressure by the lateral holes in the annular midsection... preventing egg contents from being sucked into the e-PUC
Data Source
AI summary
An object pick-up, transfer and placement apparatus which does not employ a source of negative pressure. A flexible bellows defines a collapsible interior chamber and a top through-bore in communication with atmospheric or greater pressure via a valve. The bellows collapses when contacting object, and the valve is closed, preventing air from entering the interior chamber. When the apparatus is used to lift the object, the bellows expands, causing reduced pressure in the interior chamber, securing the object to the apparatus. To release the object, the valve is opened, allowing entry of air to the interior chamber, and release of the object. This invention prevents contamination on egg shell surfaces to become air-born and cross-contaminate the entire egg pack, equipment surfaces, floors and other facility surfaces which in turn creates a hazardous working environment.