Laser Egg Marking Galvanometer Scanning High-Speed Grader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking eggs with expiration dates are inefficient and prone to removal, especially in high-speed grading systems, where the permanency and complexity of markings are compromised due to time and physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A laser marking apparatus and method that uses a CO2 laser with a galvanometer scanning head to etch graphic representations, including expiration dates and advertisements, onto eggshells within a narrow time window, maintaining the structural integrity of the eggshell and providing contrasting markings without slowing down high-speed grader systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink jet printing or other marking methods are used to print expiration dates on eggs, then marking can be performed, but the permanency of the marking is compromised and can often be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical marking systems (ink jet printing) with a laser-based optical system. The laser marking apparatus uses a CO2 laser source with galvanometer scanning to etch permanent markings on eggshells through controlled ablation, eliminating the temporary nature of ink-based methods while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser marking process utilizes phase transition of the eggshell material through controlled ablation. The laser energy causes localized heating and removal of shell material, creating permanent etched markings that cannot be easily removed, contrasting with the surface-level ink deposition that can be wiped away.
2Productivity
If high-speed grader systems process up to 175,000 eggs an hour, then productivity is high, but the marking operation must occur within a very small time window without slowing down the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and targeting of the laser beam using the galvanometer scanning head before the actual marking occurs. The galvanometers pre-calculate and pre-position the beam trajectory based on egg detection and tracking data, allowing the marking to be executed rapidly within the constrained time window without disrupting the high-speed conveyor flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking system is fully dynamic, with the galvanometer scanning head and laser beam能够快速ly adjusting their position and speed to match the varying positions and speeds of eggs on the conveyor. This dynamic adaptation allows marking to occur at any point along the conveyor without requiring fixed positioning or slowing down the production line.
3Area of stationary object
If the laser marking apparatus is sized to fit in the grader without interfering with normal operation, then space constraints are met, but the amount and complexity of indicia that can be marked is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the temporal dimension by marking eggs as they move along the conveyor belt, effectively converting a spatial limitation into a time-based solution. The galvanometer scanning head can rapidly sweep the laser beam across the egg surface, creating complex multi-line markings including expiration dates, traceability codes, and advertisements within the available time window, thereby overcoming the spatial constraints of the compact apparatus.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple rows of eggs are conveyed through the grading system, then volume capacity is high, but the marking apparatus must service multiple rows simultaneously increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The laser marking apparatus is designed with universal capability to service multiple conveyor rows. The galvanometer scanning system can rapidly switch between rows and adjust marking parameters programmatically, allowing a single apparatus configuration to handle multiple rows of eggs without requiring separate marking systems for each row, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high volume capacity.
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 efficient and permanent marking of billions of eggs annually, ensuring visual fidelity and maintaining the structural integrity of the eggshell, while allowing for complex graphical representations and traceability codes without interfering with the operation of high-speed graders.
Implementation Method 1
A laser marking apparatus and method that uses a CO2 laser with a galvanometer scanning head to etch graphic representations
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam is applied to leave most of the area of the eggshell unaffected so as to provide contrast between the unaffected areas and the marking
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station wherein a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed, the apparatus comprising, at least first and second lasers positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station, with each of the first and second lasers marking alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station.