Automated Egg Tray Stabilization via Robotic Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated solutions for egg candling and removal lead to random distribution of fertilized eggs on trays, making manual stabilization necessary, which is not compatible with high processing rates achieved in automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for detecting empty cells in egg trays and using a robot with an egg pick-up head to systematically place eggs from a supply tray into the empty cells, allowing for homogeneous distribution of fertilized eggs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated candling and removal systems are used, then processing rate is improved, but egg distribution becomes random and non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detection means to automatically identify empty cells and the robotic means to autonomously pick and place eggs, eliminating the need for manual stabilization while achieving homogeneous distribution. The system serves itself by using its own detection data to guide the robotic placement action.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means provides real-time information about empty cell positions to the control unit, which then directs the robotic means to place eggs in the correct locations. This feedback loop ensures homogeneous distribution is achieved automatically based on actual tray conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual stabilization is used to achieve homogeneous egg distribution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but processing rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of operators with an automated robotic system equipped with detection means. The robotic means, controlled by a control unit, substitutes human labor while maintaining or improving precision and dramatically increasing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the detection means and the robotic means, processing detection data and generating appropriate placement commands. This intermediary layer enables coordinated automated operation that achieves both precision and high speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex injectors are used to handle randomly distributed eggs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stabilization by automatically placing eggs in homogeneous distribution before the injection step. This preliminary arrangement simplifies subsequent injection operations, allowing the use of simpler, more reliable injectors rather than complex adaptive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the problematic random distribution into a benefit by using detection means to identify exactly which cells are empty, then using this information to guide precise egg placement. The apparent disorder becomes useful data for achieving perfect homogeneity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated method for positioning eggs on a tray that comprises the automated detection of the presence/absence of eggs in the cells of a tray, and the picking-up of eggs from a supply and the placement thereof in the empty cells of a tray. The invention also relates to a system or positioning eggs on a stabilizing tray, the tray including evenly distributed cells in which the eggs are placed, one or more cells being likely not to contain eggs, this information being stored in an information processing unit, wherein said system includes a means in the form of a robot having an egg pick-up head that are driven by the information processing unit in order to pick up eggs from a supply tray and to place them in the empty cells of the stabilizing tray.