Apparatus for egg separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional egg separating methods are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring separation of eggs one at a time, which can lead to wasted eggs if the yolk breaks, and involve manual handling that is labor-intensive and messy.
Innovation Solution
An egg separating apparatus with a support member and inner rod members forming a semi-circular configuration, allowing egg whites to pass through while keeping egg yolks intact, enabling simultaneous separation of multiple eggs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional egg separating methods are used, then eggs can be separated, but the process is time-consuming and requires separation of eggs one at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple egg separation functions into a single apparatus with a support member containing multiple openings, allowing simultaneous separation of multiple eggs. The rod members are arranged to handle several eggs at once, merging what would otherwise require multiple separate operations into one unified device that processes multiple eggs concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is segmented into multiple openings, each capable of handling an individual egg. This segmentation allows the apparatus to process multiple eggs simultaneously while maintaining the functional independence needed for effective separation at each opening station.
2Ease of operation
If manual egg separation is performed, then eggs can be separated, but the process is labor-intensive and requires steady hand control
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to perform the separation function automatically once the egg is positioned. The rod members and openings are configured so that the egg's own weight and the structural design of the apparatus work together to achieve separation without requiring continuous manual intervention or steady hand control, making the process easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member with its specific opening configuration acts as an intermediary between the egg and the separation outcome. It provides a structured medium that guides the separation process, reducing the need for direct manual manipulation and lowering the skill level required for operation.
3Reliability
If conventional separation methods are used, then eggs can be separated, but egg yolks may break and combine with egg whites, resulting in wasted eggs
Solution Approach 1:
The rod members are designed with smooth surfaces that gently guide the egg yolk during separation. This design prevents mechanical damage to the delicate vitelline membrane surrounding the yolk, maintaining yolk integrity and preventing breakage that would lead to waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings in the support member are specifically sized and shaped to match the dimensions of egg yolks, providing a localized fit that supports the yolk during separation. This local customization of the opening geometry ensures proper support at critical points while allowing egg whites to pass through, maintaining yolk integrity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional egg separation is performed, then separation can be achieved, but the process is messy and requires hand washing
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus extracts the messy hand-based separation process and replaces it with a structured support member system. By removing the need for hands to directly handle and separate eggs, the messy aspect is extracted from the process, leaving a cleaner operation that doesn't require extensive hand washing.
Data Source
AI summary
An egg separating apparatus for use in separating an egg white and an egg yolk when cracking a raw egg. More particularly, a cooking and/or baking apparatus for use in being able to concurrently separate a plurality of egg whites and a plurality of egg yolks at a relatively fast pace, thus saving a user valuable time. More particularly still, a relatively light weight and manageable kitchen apparatus for use in efficiently and effectively separating multiple egg whites and multiple egg yolks at once.