Egg Transfer System with Selective Viability Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current egg transfer systems fail to selectively sort and transfer avian eggs according to classification, leading to the inclusion of non-viable eggs in hatching baskets, which can negatively impact hatch quality and chick quality, and do not facilitate gender separation, which is desirable for certain poultry industries.
Innovation Solution
An egg transfer system with a classification device and a transfer head assembly that uses vacuum and pneumatic systems to selectively sort and transfer eggs based on viability and gender, allowing for the separation of viable and non-viable eggs, as well as male and female eggs, into different processing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all eggs are transferred together without classification, then the transfer process is simple and fast, but non-viable eggs contaminate the hatching basket and reduce hatch quality
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system segments eggs into different categories (viable and non-viable) using a classification device that detects egg characteristics. The transfer head assembly then selectively transfers only viable eggs to the hatching basket, while non-viable eggs are diverted to a separate receptacle. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by ensuring hatch quality through classification while managing system complexity through automated detection and selective transfer mechanisms.
2Reliability
If eggs are classified and sorted before transfer, then hatch quality improves and gender separation is enabled, but the processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The classification device performs preliminary classification of eggs before transfer by detecting characteristics such as viability and gender. The system pre-sorts eggs into viable and non-viable categories, and identifies gender-specific eggs, allowing the transfer head assembly to efficiently select and transfer only the desired eggs. This preliminary action enables accurate classification while minimizing processing time by preparing egg categories in advance of the actual transfer operation.
3Reliability
If non-viable eggs are removed and separated, then hatch quality improves, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The classification device extracts and identifies non-viable eggs from the mixed batch by detecting their characteristics. The transfer head assembly then selectively transfers only viable eggs to the hatching basket, while non-viable eggs are extracted and diverted to a separate receptacle. This extraction principle improves hatch success rate by removing harmful non-viable eggs while managing operational complexity through automated detection and selective transfer mechanisms that require minimal manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If gender separation is implemented, then value for layer and breeder industries increases, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The classification device is designed with multi-functionality to detect both viability characteristics and gender-specific characteristics of eggs using the same basic detection infrastructure. The transfer head assembly can selectively transfer eggs based on either viability or gender criteria, or both simultaneously. This universal classification system enables gender separation capability for layer and breeder industries while managing system complexity by using a single integrated classification and transfer platform that can adapt to different sorting requirements.
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 enables efficient and flexible processing of eggs by ensuring only viable eggs are transferred to hatching baskets, while non-viable eggs are diverted for alternative uses, improving hatch quality and allowing for gender-specific processing, thereby enhancing the value of eggs for industries like layer and breeder poultry.
Implementation Method 1
uses vacuum and pneumatic systems to selectively sort and transfer eggs
Implementation Method 2
uses vacuum and pneumatic systems to selectively sort and transfer eggs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An egg transfer system is provided. Such an egg transfer system includes a controller configured to receive a classification signal indicative of an egg classification status for each of a plurality of eggs carried by a flat. A transfer head assembly is in communication with the controller and is configured to remove a plurality of eggs from the flat. The eggs are grouped into at least a first and second subset based on the egg classification status. The controller is configured to direct the transfer head assembly to selectively release the first and second subsets separately based on the respective egg classification status of the eggs. An associated method is also provided.