Mushroom Handling Apparatus with Height-Adjustable Transfer and Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mushroom handling processes are inefficient as they require manual intervention and interruption of the picking process to transport and sort mushrooms, leading to potential overflow and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A mushroom handling apparatus with a frame-mounted transfer device and grippers that continuously convey and sort mushrooms by size without interrupting the picking process, featuring a support frame that adjusts height and includes a cutting system for stalk removal, and a sorting mechanism that aligns grippers with holders to transfer and sort mushrooms automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and sorting of mushrooms is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mushroom handling apparatus autonomously collects, transports, and sorts mushrooms without requiring continuous manual intervention. The picker simply deposits mushrooms into the collection device, and the system handles all subsequent operations automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system featuring conveyors, holders, and sorting mechanisms that automatically transport and grade mushrooms by size, eliminating the need for manual carrying and sorting operations.
2Productivity
If punnets are manually monitored and replaced on the trolley, then sorting accuracy is maintained, but picking continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous picking action by automatically handling the complete workflow from mushroom collection through sorting to punnet filling. The picker can continuously deposit mushrooms without stopping to monitor or replace punnets, as the system autonomously manages all subsequent steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sorting and grading actions automatically as mushrooms are transported, so that by the time punnets need filling, the mushrooms are already organized by size. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for manual sorting and allows continuous picking.
3Extent of automation
If automated sorting is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: a collection device for receiving mushrooms, a transport mechanism with holders and conveyors, a sorting section with grading members, and a punnet filling system. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while achieving high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mushroom handling apparatus includes a frame, a mushroom transfer device, and a first guide extending around mushroom growing beds. Mushroom holders are mounted at spaced locations along the first guide. A drive moves the mushroom holders to transfer mushrooms between growing beds and a mushroom transfer region. A mushroom handling device adjacent the transfer device incorporates a second guide that at least partially overlaps the first guide in the transfer region. Mushroom grippers are mounted on the second guide, the mushroom holders and mushroom grippers being indexed on the guides such that the grippers are aligned with respective mushroom holders in the transfer region to transfer the mushrooms from the holders to the grippers. A lift adjusts the height of the frame with respect to vertically tiered shelving to bring the mushroom transfer device and mushroom handling device into vertical alignment with selected vertically tiered growing beds.