Hazelnut Weighing Unit with Dual Chambers for Yield Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining hazelnut yield in processing plants are inefficient, as they cannot accurately assess productivity during the harvesting season, leading to potential operational inefficiencies and high costs, and fail to differentiate between varying yields from different orchards.

Innovation Solution

A weighing unit with two chambers and load cells is implemented in hazelnut processing plants to measure the weight of shelled hazelnuts and hazelnut kernels, featuring rotating covers and mechanical pistons to manage hazelnut flow and minimize damage, allowing for real-time yield determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional yield determination methods are used, then the system can operate with simpler equipment, but the productivity cannot be determined during harvesting season and yield differences between orchards cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield determination capabilityVSAvoidweighing unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing unit is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber for shelled hazelnuts, second chamber for hazelnut kernels) that can be separately weighed. This segmentation allows the system to measure different stages of processing separately, enabling real-time yield determination during harvesting while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary weighing of shelled hazelnuts in the first chamber before processing, and subsequent weighing of kernels in the second chamber. This preliminary measurement approach enables immediate yield calculation during harvesting season, eliminating the need for end-of-season retrospective analysis and allowing real-time detection of orchard yield differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If continuous weighing capability is implemented, then real-time yield determination is possible, but the device complexity increases with multiple chambers and load cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyield measurement accuracyVSAvoidweighing unit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each chamber is equipped with its own load cell, creating a universal weighing system that can measure multiple types of hazelnut products simultaneously. This multi-functional design enables continuous yield determination for both shelled hazelnuts and kernels without requiring separate weighing equipment, improving measurement precision while controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If hazelnuts are transferred between chambers, then continuous processing is enabled, but hazelnut damage may occur during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing continuityVSAvoidhazelnut damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic, adjustable transfer mechanisms between chambers that can be activated based on processing needs. The covers and transfer paths are designed to open and close smoothly, allowing continuous hazelnut flow while minimizing damage through controlled, gentle movement rather than fixed rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A controlled transfer path acts as an intermediary between the first and second chambers, facilitating smooth hazelnut movement while protecting the nuts from damage. This intermediate mechanism includes controlled openings and covers that guide hazelnuts between chambers gently, maintaining processing continuity while reducing harmful factors like impact damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables precise and continuous monitoring of hazelnut yield, ensuring optimal plant productivity and allowing for differentiation between orchard yields, thus promoting sustainable processing and production.

Implementation Method 1

at least one load cell to which the said second chamber is connected to determine the weight of the hazelnut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad cell measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20240255342A1Weighing unit used for determining hazelnut productivity in hazelnut processing plants

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 BALSU GIDA SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI

AI summary

A weighing unit can be used to determine the ratio between the weights of shelled hazelnuts and hazelnut kernels to determine productivity in hazelnut processing plants. The weighing unit includes at least one second chamber in which the hazelnut to be weighed is accumulated in the weighing unit, at least one load cell to which the second chamber is connected to determine the weight of the hazelnut, and at least one first chamber in which hazelnuts can be accumulated so that the hazelnuts needed by the second chamber are fed quickly.