Mushroom Packaging System Single Operator Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mushroom packaging systems require multiple operators to manage different tasks such as loading mushrooms, replenishing containers, and collecting packaged mushrooms, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to excessive operator movement and the need for machinery to be located at varying heights and locations.

Innovation Solution

A compact mushroom packaging system designed to be operated by a single operator, with a centralized operator station that allows for minimal movement to perform all necessary tasks. The system includes a U-shaped conveyor path for mushrooms, a container conveyance apparatus, and a lifting and lowering mechanism to efficiently transfer mushrooms into containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional packaging machinery is used with operators at different locations, then packaging tasks can be performed, but operator movement increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator efficiencyVSAvoidoperator movement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operational stations (mushroom loading, container replenishment, packaged mushroom collection) into a single centralized operator station. This merging of previously separate functions into one location eliminates the need for operators to move between different areas, directly improving efficiency and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized operator station serves multiple functions simultaneously - loading mushrooms, replenishing containers, and collecting packaged mushrooms. This multi-functional design allows a single operator to perform all packaging tasks from one location, resolving the contradiction between maintaining comprehensive packaging operations and minimizing operator movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple operators are deployed at different ends of the system, then all packaging tasks can be managed, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask accessibilityVSAvoidoperator configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operational functions into a single centralized station, reducing the operator configuration from multiple operators at different locations to one operator at one location. This simplifies the system while maintaining all necessary operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator station is segmented into distinct functional areas (mushroom loading area, container replenishment area, packaged mushroom collection area) that are all accessible from one central location. This segmentation allows each task to be performed independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If machinery is located at varying heights and locations, then it can adapt to different growth beds, but operator safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth bed accommodationVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions all operational components at the same height level, creating an equipotential working environment. This eliminates the need for operators to work at varying heights, thereby maintaining safety while still allowing adaptation to different growth bed configurations through the standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Productivity

If conventional large machinery is used, then packaging can be performed, but transportability and repositioning become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging capacityVSAvoidtransportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the packaging system into modular, interchangeable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation maintains adequate packaging capacity while significantly improving transportability and ease of repositioning compared to conventional integrated machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3917844B1A mushroom packaging system

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 EDWARDS SHARON

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AI summary

A mushroom packaging system 10 comprising a mushroom packaging apparatus 11 wherein empty containers 12 are at least partially filled with mushrooms 13. The system further comprises a mushroom loading apparatus 14 comprising a mushroom loading station 15 and a mushroom conveyor 16 for retaining and conveying mushrooms loaded thereon by an operator to the mushroom packaging apparatus 11. A container storage apparatus 50 is also provided which provides a container loading station 17 positioned such that an operator may load empty containers 12 thereinto. A container conveyance apparatus 22 conveys empty containers 12 from the container storage apparatus 50 to a packaged mushroom collection station 18 via the mushroom packaging apparatus 11. Packaged mushrooms 19 received at the packaged mushroom collection station 18 may be retrieved by the operator. A single operator may load mushrooms to the mushroom loading station 15, load containers to the container loading station 17, and retrieve containers from the packaged mushroom collection station 18.