Egg Transfer Funnel for Continuous Packaging Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg packing machines face limitations in processing capacity due to frequent start-stop moments and acceleration/deceleration during the transfer of eggs from a horizontal feed conveyor to a packaging unit, which can lead to breakage and inefficiency in handling a variety of egg sizes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a transfer unit with a feed funnel that maintains the center of gravity of eggs at a constant horizontal speed, using a combination of fixed and moving guides and an endless conveyor with curved tracks to ensure uninterrupted flow and smooth transfer, eliminating start-stop moments and accommodating various egg sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If eggs are transferred using a horizontal feed conveyor with stop moments, then eggs can be positioned for packaging, but processing capacity is limited due to frequent acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The feed conveyor is designed to move continuously without stop moments, maintaining constant horizontal speed. The transfer mechanism uses a moving guide that synchronizes with the conveyor speed, allowing eggs to be transferred smoothly without interrupting the flow, thus eliminating time losses associated with starting and stopping the conveyor system
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to synchronize its motion with the continuously moving conveyor. The guide can move horizontally at the same speed as the conveyor while simultaneously moving vertically to transfer eggs downward, creating a dynamic transfer mechanism that maintains continuous operation
2Ease of operation
If eggs are transferred with frequent start-stop moments, then positioning for packaging is achieved, but egg breakage increases due to acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism creates a smooth transition path where eggs move from horizontal to vertical direction without abrupt changes in speed or direction. The moving guide maintains the same horizontal speed as the conveyor throughout the transfer process, eliminating acceleration and deceleration forces that could cause egg breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer path is designed with curved surfaces rather than sharp angles or abrupt transitions. The concave curved surface of the moving guide provides a smooth transition for eggs as they are transferred from horizontal to vertical movement, reducing impact forces and preventing breakage
3Productivity
If a horizontal feed conveyor is used to transfer eggs, then eggs can be conveyed efficiently, but the transfer to vertical packaging position requires complex stop-and-reverse mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to synchronize its motion with the continuously moving conveyor. The guide can move horizontally at the same speed as the conveyor while simultaneously moving vertically to transfer eggs downward, creating a dynamic transfer mechanism that maintains continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The moving guide acts as an intermediary between the horizontal conveyor and the vertical packaging position. It receives eggs from the conveyor while moving horizontally at the same speed, then transfers them downward to the packaging position, serving as a smooth transition element that eliminates the need for complex stop-and-reverse mechanisms
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 enhances the packing capacity by maintaining a continuous flow of eggs, reducing breakage, and allowing for efficient handling of eggs of different sizes through a smooth and controlled transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
during the uninterrupted movement and transfer in substantially downward direction the center of gravity of the egg moves uninterruptedly with a horizontal speed which is substantially equal to the horizontal speed of the packaging units
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
This invention relates to an apparatus for feeding eggs to a packaging unit (7) having at least one row of receiving nests arranged next to each other, comprising, - a feed conveyor (1) - a transfer unit (2) and - a packaging conveyor wherein the transfer unit (2) for the at least one row correspondingly comprises one feed funnel (4) for transferring, which includes in succession receiving, guiding, and delivering, one egg, wherein during the uninterrupted movement and transfer in substantially downward direction the center of gravity of the egg moves uninterruptedly with a horizontal speed which is substantially equal to the horizontal speed of the packaging units (7).