Movable Jump for Hydraulic Superposition of Floating Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems for grouping fragile floating objects, such as fruits and vegetables, face limitations in achieving efficient multi-layer superposition without causing turbulence, deterioration, or overflowing, and require longer channel lengths.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a movable cross-sectional restriction, or 'jump,' within the accumulation channel to locally accelerate the hydraulic current, allowing for progressive and homogeneous superposition of objects across multiple layers by moving the restriction upstream, thereby reducing channel length and enhancing production efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fixed cross-sectional restriction is used to accelerate hydraulic current for object superposition, then local acceleration is achieved, but the number of superposed layers is limited to two layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuperposition capabilityVSAvoidnumber of superposed layers
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-sectional restriction is made movable along the accumulation channel instead of being fixed. This dynamic element can be positioned at different locations to progressively accelerate objects into multiple superposed layers, transforming the system from static two-layer capability to dynamic multi-layer capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cross-sectional restriction is positioned upstream before objects arrive, creating acceleration zones in advance. This preliminary positioning allows objects to be progressively accelerated into designated superposition layers before reaching the discharge end, enabling controlled multi-layer formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If longer accumulation channels are used to allow natural hydraulic superposition, then object integrity is maintained, but the installation surface area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject integrityVSAvoidinstallation surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses hydraulic current acceleration through movable cross-sectional restrictions to create superposition zones. This hydraulic mechanism replaces the need for long natural accumulation channels, achieving multi-layer superposition in a compact space while maintaining gentle object handling through controlled hydraulic flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic positioning of cross-sectional restrictions creates progressive acceleration zones that efficiently pack objects into multiple layers within a shortened channel length, reducing the overall installation footprint while maintaining object integrity through controlled hydraulic forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If higher hydraulic flow rates are used to achieve multi-layer superposition, then superposition efficiency is improved, but object deterioration and turbulence increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuperposition efficiencyVSAvoidobject deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Hydraulic acceleration is applied locally at specific positions along the accumulation channel through movable cross-sectional restrictions, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized acceleration creates efficient superposition zones while maintaining gentler flow conditions in other areas, preventing object deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cross-sectional restrictions dynamically create and move acceleration zones through the channel, concentrating hydraulic energy only where and when needed for superposition. This dynamic approach achieves high superposition efficiency while minimizing turbulent effects and object damage through precise spatial and temporal control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the superposition of objects in 3 to 4 layers, reducing channel length by half compared to traditional systems, while maintaining object integrity and improving production efficiency with reduced hydraulic flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

any object having sufficient buoyancy in a current of liquid to be able to be transported by the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic current capable of transporting the objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic transport: Drag

Implementation Method 3

the speed of the hydraulic current formed in each accumulation channel is locally accelerated by an upward jump from the bottom of the accumulation channel forming a cross-sectional restriction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic jump: Hydraulic Jump

Implementation Method 4

forming a restriction of cross section having the effect of locally accelerating the speed of the hydraulic current passing above this jump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-sectional restriction effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 5

cause a superposition of the objects retained in the superposition zone of the accumulation channel between the said jump and the retaining/release device closed to retain objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic superposition: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3728088B1Method and device for grouping floating articles into batches, with dynamic hydraulic superimposition of the articles
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 MAF AGROBOTIC
  • EP3728088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3728088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3728088B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for grouping fragile floating objects such as floating fruit into batches, in at least one accumulation channel with hydraulic superimposition of the retained objects in a superimposition zone against a retaining/releasing device which is closed so as to retain the articles. During a step of accumulating articles in an accumulation channel (11), a jump (17) towards the top of the bottom (19) of the accumulation channel (11) is moved upstream into said superimposition zone (18) from the downstream end (13) of the accumulation channel (11), as the articles are supplied, in such a way as to cause a superimposition of the articles retained in the superimposition zone between said jump (17) and the retaining/releasing device (14).