Packaging Work Table with Waist-Level Conveyor for Ergonomic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand packaging work tables for fruit and vegetable products lead to operator fatigue, reduced efficiency, and ergonomic issues due to the need for continuous bending and standing, as well as inadequate visibility of products, resulting in potential damage and compromised quality.
Innovation Solution
A hand packaging work table design that unifies crate transfer conveyors, eliminates the rejected product conveyor's raised position, combines fruit recirculation conveyors, and allows operators to work seated, with adjustable conveyors and seating to reduce strain and improve visibility of all products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If operators work standing with raised arms to reach crates on elevated conveyors, then packaging precision is maintained, but operator fatigue and ergonomic damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the crate transfer conveyor from an elevated position above the operator to a lower position in front of the operator at waist level. This spatial reconfiguration allows operators to package products while standing naturally without raising arms, eliminating ergonomic damage while maintaining packaging precision through the centered alignment of the conveyor with the operator's workspace.
2Loss of information
If the crate transfer conveyor is positioned above the operator, then product visibility is improved, but arm and wrist joint damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is relocated from a vertical position above the operator to a horizontal position in front of the operator at ergonomic height. This dimensional change allows operators to view products clearly on the conveyor while packaging, eliminating the need to raise arms and preventing joint damage while maintaining full product visibility.
3Device complexity
If a single common return conveyor is used below the crate transfer conveyor, then device complexity is reduced, but product accessibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates separate return conveyors into a single common return conveyor positioned below the crate transfer conveyor. This merged conveyor collects products from both left and right sides and returns them to the front, reducing system complexity while maintaining accessibility through the centralized collection point that feeds products back into the operator's reach zone.
4Loss of information
If the crate transfer conveyor is inclined toward the operator, then product visibility is enhanced, but arm lifting and wrist strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is repositioned from an inclined configuration that requires arm lifting to a horizontal configuration at waist level in front of the operator. This spatial reconfiguration allows operators to view products at eye level through the conveyor's positioning while packaging, eliminating wrist strain caused by continuous arm lifting while maintaining enhanced product visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant for manual packaging of crates with fruit and vegetable products includes a first mobile horizontal belt conveyor on which products are placed and a second mobile conveyor on which are placed a plurality of crates. The two conveyors are arranged on parallel horizontal planes. The upper surface of the second conveyor is arranged at least partially overlying the position of the first conveyor. A return conveyor is arranged on the same horizontal plane as the first mobile conveyor, and moving in a direction opposite to the first conveyor. A third mobile conveyor may be provided, similar to the first conveyor, moving in the same direction as the first conveyor and arranged, with respect to a median vertical plane of the return conveyor, in a position opposite and preferably symmetrical to said first conveyor.