Fish Conveyor Roller Chain Orientation Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish processing conveyor systems are often bulky, complex, and expensive, failing to provide a reliable and efficient means of conveying fish products between processing subsystems, particularly in changing orientations such as from a transverse to a parallel direction.
Innovation Solution
A fish processing system featuring a conveyor system with a roller chain assembly that transports fish along a curvilinear path, changing orientation from transverse to parallel, and includes a guideway and guide rail system to adapt to shape changes, enabling efficient movement between deheading and gutting stations with adjustable speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conveyor systems are used to transport fish between processing subsystems, then fish can be moved from one station to another, but the systems become bulky, complex, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent roller chains, each responsible for a specific section of fish transport. Each roller chain assembly can be independently controlled and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fish conveyance between deheading and gutting stations
Solution Approach 2:
The roller chains are designed to be adjustable in speed and position, allowing dynamic adaptation to different fish sizes and processing requirements. This flexibility enables the system to maintain reliability across varying operational conditions without requiring complex fixed infrastructure
2Reliability
If conventional conveyor systems are used to transport fish, then fish can be conveyed between stations, but the systems are bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system utilizes a vertical arrangement with roller chains positioned at different elevations, allowing fish to be conveyed between stations in a compact vertical footprint rather than requiring extensive horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization reduces the overall bulk of the conveyor system while maintaining reliable transport functionality
3Productivity
If conventional conveyor systems are used to transport fish, then fish can be moved between stations, but the systems are expensive to produce and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The roller chain design incorporates self-lubricating features and automatic tensioning mechanisms that reduce maintenance requirements and operational costs. The system maintains high productivity through automated fish conveyance while minimizing the need for expensive manual intervention and complex control systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If fish orientation is changed from transverse to parallel between processing subsystems, then fish can be properly positioned for different processing operations, but the conveyor system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates curved guide sections and angled roller arrangements that smoothly rotate fish from transverse to parallel orientation. These curved transition zones enable orientation change through geometric design rather than complex mechanical actuators, maintaining system simplicity while achieving the required adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable the efficient conveyance of fish products from one fish processing subsystem or station to another in a particularly reliable and robust form factor. The systems may include a first fish processing subsystem configured to process fish with the fish orientated in a first orientation; a second fish processing subsystem configured to process the fish with the fish orientated in a second orientation different from the first orientation; and a conveyor system that couples the first fish processing subsystem to the second fish processing subsystem with the conveyor system being configured to receive the fish in the first orientation and deliver the fish in the second orientation. Related methods of conveying and processing fish are also provided.