Gravity-Free Fall Fruit Testing Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for measuring the physical parameters of compressible objects like fruits and vegetables, such as firmness and compression resistance, suffer from artifacts due to incremental force application from stepper motors, leading to contaminated data and high costs for high-resolution motors, and lack the ability to apply continuous force or simultaneously test multiple objects.

Innovation Solution

A device employing a gravity-assisted free-fall mechanism with a riser, sampling arms, and sensors to apply continuous compression force, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple objects and eliminating the need for stepper motors by using a Geneva drive system and cam follower assembly to index a turntable with multiple test stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If stepper motors are used to apply force incrementally, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to artifacts from incremental force application

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveautomationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the stepper motor-driven mechanical force application system with a gravity-based free-fall system. The sampling arm is released to fall under gravity, applying a smooth, continuous force to the fruit without the incremental stepping artifacts that contaminate measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for electronic control while improving measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling arm uses its own weight (gravity) to apply the compression force, eliminating the need for external motors or actuators. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent gravitational force on the sampling arm to perform the measurement function, thereby avoiding artifacts from motor-driven force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution stepper motors are used to reduce artifacts, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex high-resolution stepper motors and electronic control systems with a simple gravity-based free-fall mechanism. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision by eliminating incremental force artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (sampling arm, release mechanism) instead of expensive high-resolution motors. The system achieves its function through basic gravitational physics rather than costly electronic actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If single-object testing is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the testing system into multiple independent sampling arms (first, second, third, fourth arms) that can simultaneously test multiple fruits. Each arm operates independently with its own sensor, allowing parallel measurement of multiple objects without compromising the precision of individual measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple testing functions into a single integrated system. Multiple sampling arms share common structural support and can be coordinated through a single release mechanism, enabling simultaneous multi-object testing while maintaining individual measurement precision through separate sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides high-quality data by eliminating artifacts from incremental force application and enables efficient, simultaneous testing of multiple objects, reducing costs and improving measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A fruit testing device employs a controlled free-fall force application approach or gravity assisted means to apply compression forces to a test object or fruit piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A device employing a gravity-assisted free-fall mechanism with a riser, sampling arms, and sensors to apply continuous compression force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree fall: Free Fall

Data Source

PatentUS10429283B2Fruit testing device

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 CREATIVE VIEWPOINT MACHINERY

AI summary

The invention relates generally to a mechanical device that efficiently measures physical parameters such as compression strength, elasticity, firmness, deformation resistance and the like, on one or a plurality of compressible test objects including fruits, nuts and vegetables, and which operates in a semi-automatic fashion using a rotatable turntable with multiple wells to hold a plurality of test objects in place during measurement using one or more positionable sensors capable of measuring a physical parameter when brought into contact with the test object.