Egg Transfer Assembly With Localized Low-Vacuum Picking Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing egg transfer assemblies using vacuum or suction cups risk contamination and cause cracks or fissures, especially when transferring injected eggs.
Innovation Solution
A transfer assembly with a distribution plate and flexible bellows system, featuring egg picking pads that contact eggs away from needle perforations, utilizing low-vacuum suction to minimize contamination and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum or suction cups are used to transfer eggs, then eggs can be transferred between trays, but contamination and cracks occur due to strong suction affecting needle perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction is applied locally at the egg picking pad contact point rather than uniformly across the entire egg surface. The flexible bellows directs vacuum suction to the specific area where the egg picking pad contacts the egg, avoiding strong suction at needle perforations and preventing contamination and cracks while maintaining transfer efficiency
2Reliability
If strong vacuum suction is applied to secure egg transfer, then eggs are held firmly, but small particles move near needle perforations causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction is concentrated at the egg picking pad contact point rather than distributed across the entire egg surface. This localized application provides firm holding security at the contact point while avoiding strong suction fields that would move particles near needle perforations and cause contamination
3Extent of automation
If traditional vacuum transfer assemblies are used, then egg transfer is automated, but cracks and fissures occur due to excessive suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum suction parameter is changed from strong uniform suction to low-level localized suction. The flexible bellows system enables precise control of vacuum pressure, applying only enough suction to secure the egg at the contact point without exceeding the threshold that would cause shell cracks and fissures
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transfer system applies vacuum suction locally at the egg picking pad contact point rather than across the entire egg surface. This localized approach maintains automated transfer capability while reducing overall suction force to levels that preserve egg shell integrity
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
Reduces contamination risks and minimizes cracks by isolating vacuum suction to specific areas, ensuring gentle and secure egg transfer without damaging the eggs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing low-vacuum suction to minimize contamination and damage
Implementation Method 2
isolating vacuum suction to specific areas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A transfer assembly (100) for transporting eggs includes a distribution plate (110) having a first surface (112) and a second surface (120). The first surface (112) has at least one projection (114) extending therefrom. At least one egg picking pad (150) is coupled to the at least one projection (114). A throughhole (118) extends through the distribution plate (110), the at least one projection (114) and the at least one egg picking pad (150). A flexible bellows (130) is coupled to the second surface (120) of the distribution plate (110).