Eggshell Strength Assessment via Acoustic Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining eggshell strength are either destructive, time-consuming, or not suitable for rapid sorting of eggs, leading to inefficiencies in identifying and selecting eggs with intact shells, which can result in economic losses and health hazards due to bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method and apparatus that determine tensile stress and elasticity of eggshells using detectors and central processing units, incorporating optical and mechanical means, such as thermography and computer vision, to assess shell thickness, curvature, and tensile stress, enabling prediction of eggshell resistance to cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive methods are used to measure eggshell strength, then measurement accuracy is improved, but egg availability for use is reduced and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical destructive testing methods with acoustic resonance frequency analysis. A sensor detects the natural resonant frequency of the eggshell when subjected to acoustic excitation, allowing non-destructive measurement of shell strength without breaking the egg. This substitution maintains measurement accuracy while preserving egg integrity for subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an acoustic signature or resonance profile of the eggshell that serves as a copy of its mechanical properties. By analyzing the resonant frequency characteristics rather than physically breaking the shell, the system obtains measurement data without destroying the original object, thus maintaining productivity and egg availability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ball bouncing detection is used, then crack detection capability is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acoustic excitation to induce vibrations in the eggshell and measures the natural resonant frequency response. This vibration-based approach simplifies the detection mechanism compared to complex ball-bouncing systems, as it directly probes the shell's mechanical properties through acoustic fields rather than requiring complex mechanical impact detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball-bouncing detection system with an acoustic field-based measurement system. Instead of using a physical ball to tap the eggshell and analyze impact responses, the system uses acoustic excitation and measures resonant frequency, thereby reducing device complexity and processing requirements while maintaining crack detection capability.
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 approach allows for rapid, non-destructive evaluation of eggshell strength, improving the selection of intact eggs and reducing economic losses and health risks by providing a reliable indicator of eggshell integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The detector comprises optical means for determining a shell thickness and/or curvature of the said eggshell
Implementation Method 2
a more recent method based on acoustic resonance frequency analysis for determining a non-destructive selection variable called dynamic stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
A non-destructive method for determining resistance to cracking of an intact egg, whereby said determining comprises at least one of the following steps a) and b):a) determining a tensile stress developed in an eggshell of said intact egg, for example a tensile stress at a predetermined load;b) determining an elasticity of said eggshell;wherein preferably the results of step a) and/or step b) are used in evaluating said resistance to cracking.