Hydraulic Superposition for Fragile Floating Object Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for grouping fragile floating objects, such as fruits or vegetables, in hydraulic accumulation channels are complex, expensive, and risk damage due to mechanical handling and collisions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that adjust the speed of the hydraulic current in accumulation channels to achieve spontaneous superposition of objects without mechanical devices, using a retaining/releasing device and a cross-sectional restriction to maintain superposition without turbulence or damage, allowing for efficient and damage-free stacking in multiple layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical stacking devices are used to form superposition of objects, then the grouping efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and the risk of damage to fragile objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrouping efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stacking devices with a hydraulic current system to achieve object superposition. The hydraulic current naturally pushes floating objects together and forms multiple layers without mechanical contact, eliminating complex mechanical mechanisms while maintaining grouping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a hydraulic current flowing through the accumulation channel to transport and stack floating objects. The hydraulic system creates a flow that naturally superposes objects in multiple layers against the retaining wall, providing a simple and effective alternative to mechanical stacking devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If mechanical handling devices are used to stack objects, then the grouping speed is improved, but the risk of damage to fragile objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrouping speedVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical handling devices and uses a hydraulic current to perform all stacking operations. The water flow gently pushes objects together and forms layers without mechanical contact, maintaining high grouping speed while completely avoiding damage from mechanical handling and collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic current performs the stacking function automatically through its natural flow characteristics. The water flow self-regulates to push objects together and form superposed layers without requiring additional mechanical actuators or complex control systems, achieving both speed and gentleness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If the accumulation channel height is increased to accommodate superposed objects, then the capacity for batch grouping is improved, but the floor space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch capacityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of objects to vertical superposition in the accumulation channel. By utilizing the vertical dimension for stacking multiple layers of objects, the system increases batch capacity without requiring additional horizontal floor space, as objects are arranged in three-dimensional space within the same channel footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simple, efficient, and damage-free grouping of fragile objects in batches within a compact installation, reducing the length of accumulation channels and preventing collisions, while maintaining a stable hydraulic flow that supports multiple layers of objects without overflowing.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic current capable of transporting the objects is formed in each accumulation channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

the speed of the hydraulic current formed in at least one accumulation channel is adjusted so as to bring about a superposition of the objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag force: Drag

Implementation Method 3

the speed of the hydraulic current formed in at least one accumulation channel is adjusted so as to bring about a superposition of the objects retained in the superposition zone of the accumulation channel against the retaining/releasing device which is closed so as to retain the objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9694366B2Method and device for grouping floating objects in batches with hydraulic superposition of the objects

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 MAF AGROBOTIC

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for grouping fragile floating objects, such as floating fruits, in batches in at least one accumulation channel. An upstream portion (12) of at least one accumulation channel is supplied with objects transported by a hydraulic current as far as a downstream end of the latter provided with a retaining/releasing device for retaining/releasing the objects. The speed of the hydraulic current is adjusted so as to bring about a hydraulic superposition of the objects retained in a superposition zone of the accumulation channel against the retaining/releasing device which is closed so as to retain the objects.