Mushroom Compost Delivery Separator for Layer Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mushroom growing systems face inefficiencies in delivering compost and casing soil to multiple beds at varying heights, requiring frequent machine repositioning and resulting in uneven layer distribution and potential pollution.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first conveyor featuring separate hoppers for compost and casing soil, a separator to create parallel streams, and a double winch system for simultaneous delivery to multiple beds, allowing for precise layering and reduced machine movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single filling machine delivers compost and casing soil sequentially to multiple beds at varying heights, then the machine structure remains simple, but delivery efficiency decreases and frequent repositioning is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling machine is segmented into multiple independent conveying branches, each capable of delivering compost and casing soil to different beds simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel operation across multiple beds, dramatically improving delivery efficiency without requiring frequent machine repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from sequential vertical delivery to parallel multi-dimensional delivery by arranging conveying branches in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Multiple beds at varying heights can be filled simultaneously through this spatial arrangement, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If compost and casing soil are delivered in a single mixed layer, then the delivery process is simple, but layer uniformity decreases and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer uniformityVSAvoiddelivery process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery process is segmented into separate conveying branches for compost and casing soil, allowing independent control and precise layering. This segmentation ensures uniform layer distribution and prevents contamination while maintaining a manageable delivery process through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying branch is optimized for specific material delivery, with local quality control mechanisms ensuring proper layering. The compost and casing soil are delivered with appropriate characteristics to their respective destinations, achieving uniform layers without excessive process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the filling machine is frequently repositioned to serve multiple shelvings, then adaptability to different shelving configurations is maintained, but delivery time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery timeVSAvoidshelving configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filling machine is designed with multiple conveying branches that can simultaneously serve multiple beds across different shelving configurations. This multi-functional design allows the machine to adapt to various shelving arrangements without requiring frequent repositioning, thereby reducing delivery time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine extends its operational reach across multiple dimensions by arranging conveying branches vertically and horizontally, enabling simultaneous service to multiple shelvings. This spatial expansion allows the machine to maintain adaptability to different configurations while significantly improving delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3581022B2Device for delivering at least a layer of compost and casing soil to a shelving for growing mushrooms
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LEMMEN
  • EP3581022B2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Device (1) for delivering at least a layer of compost and casing soil to a shelving for growing mushrooms, comprising a first conveyor (2) on which in a downstream direction (3) are arranged a first hopper (4) with a receiving opening (5,6) for receiving compost and a dispensing opening for delivering a compost layer on the first conveyor and a second hopper (7) with a receiving opening (8) for receiving casing soil and a dispensing opening for delivering casing soil on the compost layer, wherein at least one separator (9) for separating in a direction (10) perpendicular to the downstream direction (3) at least two fractions of the layer of compost with casing soil.