Movable Head Transfer Device for Apples Using Inflatable Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current apple treatment lines are inefficient in transferring and accumulating apples due to space and water consumption constraints, and often cause damage to the products during handling.
Innovation Solution
A treatment line with a movable head and retractable transverse elements that use inflatable membranes to gently pick up and transfer apples from a tank to a container, allowing for multiple layers of accumulation without impacting the products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex device with compacting mechanism is used to transfer apples, then the apples can be accumulated in containers, but the device complexity increases and space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible membranes instead of rigid mechanical compacting devices. The membranes can be inflated to push apples into containers and then deflated to return to their original position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical compacting mechanisms while maintaining apple accumulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device employs dynamically adjustable membrane inflation levels. By controlling the inflation pressure, the system can adapt to different apple volumes and container positions, replacing static complex mechanical structures with a dynamic, space-efficient solution
2Productivity
If the end section area is increased to transfer more apples, then the apple transfer capacity increases, but the space occupation and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension through membrane inflation rather than expanding the horizontal end section area. The inflated membranes rise vertically to push apples into containers, allowing increased transfer capacity without increasing the footprint area of the tank end section
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic inflation of membranes to generate the force needed for apple transfer. By controlling air pressure, the system can adjust the number of apples transferred per cycle, providing a scalable solution that doesn't require physical expansion of the tank structure
3Productivity
If traditional transfer mechanisms are used, then apples can be moved to containers, but the apples may be damaged due to impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membranes provide gentle contact with apples during transfer. The membranes can deform to accommodate apple shapes and movements, preventing impact damage while still effectively pushing apples into containers
Solution Approach 2:
The inflated membranes create a cushioning effect before apples are pushed into containers. The air-filled membranes absorb and distribute forces, preventing direct impact between apples and rigid container walls or other apples
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple channels are used for different apple groups, then sorting accuracy improves, but the water consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane inflation system serves multiple functions: it transfers apples, accumulates them in containers, and can be adjusted for different apple volumes. This single versatile mechanism replaces multiple dedicated channels, reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements while maintaining sorting accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A unit for transferring horticultural products (A) between at least one tank, in which the horticultural products (A) float on a fluid mass, and at least one collection container, comprising a head (2) provided with a plurality of walls (3) normally arranged vertically, the head (2) being movable between at least one collection position, in which the walls (3) are interposed between respective horticultural products (A), which float on the fluid mass at a respective predefined section (8) of the tank, and at least one unloading position, in which the walls (3) face and are proximate to the collection container. In an active configuration, the transverse elements (7) protrude transversely from the space occupation of the walls (3) to ensure mechanical interference with the fall of the horticultural products (A) as a consequence of the subsequent lifting of the head (2) and of its transfer toward said unloading position. In a passive configuration, the transverse elements (7) are retracted toward the walls (3), for the free release of the horticultural products (A) into the respective collection container.