Potato Sorting Apparatus with Tapered Cones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional potato sorting devices only sort by diameter, failing to effectively separate potatoes based on both length and diameter, leading to reduced commercial value and equipment damage due to misshaped or jammed products.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising parallel shafts with tapered cones and concentric flights that align and sort items by length and diameter, allowing items to tip off or fall through based on their size, with adjustable geometry for varying sorting criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sorting devices are used, then sorting by diameter is achieved, but sorting by length is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension (diameter-only) sorting to two-dimension (length and diameter) sorting by introducing a dual-criteria classification system. The sorting device now operates in an expanded parameter space, simultaneously evaluating both length and diameter to determine appropriate sorting bins, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision in one dimension and adaptability across multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting device is designed to perform multiple sorting functions simultaneously - it can sort by diameter, by length, or by combinations of both criteria. This multi-functional capability allows the same device to handle various sorting requirements without needing separate specialized equipment, thus improving both measurement precision and adaptability.
2Productivity
If potatoes are not sorted by both length and diameter, then processing efficiency is maintained, but commercial value is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting operation is performed as a preliminary step before processing, allowing potatoes to be classified by both length and diameter in advance. This preliminary classification ensures that only appropriately sized potatoes proceed to processing, preventing misshaping and equipment damage while maximizing commercial value of the final product.
3Measurement precision
If electronic sorting systems are used, then sorting precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical sorting system using simple, inexpensive components such as rods, bins, and gravity-based mechanisms rather than expensive electronic sensors and actuators. While electronic systems offer high precision, this mechanical approach provides sufficient sorting accuracy at a fraction of the cost, making it economically viable for commercial applications.
4Reliability
If potatoes of improper size enter cutters, then equipment damage occurs, but sorting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system divides the potato population into distinct size categories using multiple bins and classification criteria. By segmenting the sorting process into discrete stages (length classification, then diameter classification), the system protects equipment from improper-sized potatoes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, straightforward mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorter for sorting pieces of various diameters and lengths made up of a pair of shafts spatially disposed in parallel within a horizontal plane, each of these shafts having a tapered core to which is connected to a pair of flights. When the shafts are rotated, items placed upon the flights of the shafts are aligned and moved toward the second end of the shaft. When a piece reaches a location where it can tip upon one of the flights and the end of the piece no longer contacts a part of the adjoining flight, the piece will tip. When this piece now traveling between the flights reaches a location where the space between the tapered portions of the cones is sufficiently large so as to allow the potato to fall between the cones, the piece will fall and has thus been sorted for diameter. Larger items thus are sorted to a location further from the first end of the device and smaller items are sorted to a position closer to the first end of the device.