Fluid Torque Alignment for Fruit Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no known solution for fully automatic orientation of fruits with an opening up without a fixed orienting element, leading to manual processing steps such as separating, aligning, and filling of fruits like cherry peppers, pointed peppers, or olives.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fluid flow against spherical, conical, or oval fruits from below in an alignment receptacle, causing a torque that rotates the fruit to align the inhomogeneity upwards, allowing for non-contact alignment and subsequent processing or filling without a fixed alignment element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed alignment element (spike, wheel, or guide film) is used to align fruits, then alignment reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fixed alignment element (spike, wheel, or guide film) from the system entirely. Instead of using a physical structure to enforce alignment, the invention uses a fluid stream to rotate the fruit until its inhomogeneity aligns with the flow direction, thereby achieving alignment without the complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (fixed spikes, wheels, or guide films that physically constrain the fruit) with a fluid dynamic system. A fluid stream acts on the fruit's inhomogeneity to generate torque, rotating the fruit into the correct orientation without mechanical contact or fixed alignment structures.
2Speed
If a fluid stream directly strikes the fruit to cause rotation, then alignment speed is improved, but the fruit may be damaged or lose its position due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the fluid stream locally to the inhomogeneity region of the fruit rather than striking the entire fruit surface. The fluid flow is directed at the area surrounding the inhomogeneity, creating a localized force field that generates gentle torque to rotate the fruit without applying excessive force that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid stream with just enough force to rotate the fruit into alignment, but not so much force as to cause damage or excessive movement. The fluid flow intensity is controlled to provide sufficient torque for rotation while maintaining gentle interaction with the fruit surface, avoiding both insufficient and excessive action.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used for fruits with openings facing upwards, then processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fruit to align itself automatically through the action of the fluid stream on its own inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneity acts as a natural alignment feature that interacts with the fluid flow to generate self-correcting torque, causing the fruit to rotate until its opening faces upwards without requiring manual intervention or complex external alignment mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods grip the fruit from the outside, then alignment control is improved, but fruit damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gripping systems that physically contact and constrain the fruit with a fluid dynamic system. The fluid stream acts at a distance from the fruit surface, creating torque through pressure differences around the inhomogeneity without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby eliminating grip-induced damage while maintaining alignment control.
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
Enables quick and simple alignment of fruits with minimal space requirements, fast cycle times, and compensation for natural shape and size variations, facilitating automatic processing and filling.
Implementation Method 1
the flowing fluid causes a torque acting on the fruit on one side in the area of the inhomogeneity, which rotates the fruit in the direction of the least flow resistance
Implementation Method 2
rotates the fruit in the direction of the least flow resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method and apparatus (1) for aligning at least one spherical, conical or oval fruit (6, 6') with at least one first inhomogeneity (8) or with a first and a second inhomogeneity (8) arranged opposite the first, wherein the fruit (6, 6') is received in an alignment fixture (2) and is subjected to a flow of fluid (10) from below, which causes a torque (7) acting on the fruit (6, 6') on one side in the region of the inhomogeneity (8), causing the fruit to rotate in the direction of least flow resistance until it comes to rest in the alignment fixture (2) in a position where the first or the second inhomogeneity (8) points upwards.