Fish Handling With Movable Deflection for Selective Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food handling devices are not adaptable to different types and sizes of food items, lack consistency and reliability in orienting food items, and have complex configurations that increase space and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A handling system that includes a support structure with a movable deflection device that uses gravitational forces and a deflection mechanism to rotate food items, such as fish, about their longitudinal axis, allowing for selective orientation adjustment through a movable deflection device that can be positioned to either rotate or allow passage without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deflection device is used to rotate fish about their longitudinal axis, then the orientation consistency and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments that can independently deflect. Each segment can be controlled to rotate fish about their longitudinal axis, providing reliable orientation control while keeping individual segment complexity low. The segmentation allows the system to achieve complex rotational control through simple, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs movable and adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different fish sizes and orientations. The deflection device can be positioned and adjusted to provide the necessary rotational force, enabling reliable orientation control for various fish types without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing handling devices are used, then they can handle specific types of food items, but they lack adaptability to different types and sizes of food items
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal handling device that can accommodate different types and sizes of fish through its adjustable and segmented configuration. The deflection device can be positioned at various locations along the support structure to handle different fish orientations and sizes, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates movable and adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different fish configurations. This dynamic capability allows the same device to handle various fish types and sizes effectively, enhancing versatility while avoiding the need for complex device assemblies.
3Productivity
If existing handling devices are used, then they can perform orientation alteration, but they require relatively large space and have high operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the support structure into segments, the system achieves effective fish rotation and orientation control within a compact space. Each segment can independently perform the orientation alteration function, eliminating the need for large-scale complex mechanisms while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently by positioning deflection devices at multiple locations along the support structure. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to perform orientation alteration without requiring excessive horizontal space, improving productivity while reducing the footprint of the handling device.
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
Provides a simple, effective, and reliable means for handling food items, particularly fish, with reduced space requirements and operational efficiency, enabling flexible orientation control.
Implementation Method 1
the opening is configured to allow the fish to pass through the opening to be dropped from a first location on the support structure to a second location... the fish is/are dropped through the opening, i.e., with the aid of gravitational forces
Implementation Method 2
the deflection device extends partially into the opening to apply at least one force to the fish to deflect at least a portion of the fish to cause the fish to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the fish
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handling system (10) for handling fish (11), including a support structure (12) along which the fish is moveable. The support structure (12) is configured to support the fish, as the fish is moving along the support structure (12). The handling system (10) includes an opening (14) configured to allow the fish (11) to pass through the opening (14) to be dropped from a first location on the support structure (12) to a second location, and at least one deflection device (18) which is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the deflection device (18) extends into the opening (14) to apply a force to the fish (11) to cause the fish (11) to rotate. In the second position, the deflection device (18) is moved away from the opening (14) to allow the fish (11) to pass through the opening (14) to the second location without being rotated. The present invention further relates to a fish processing system and a method of handling fish.