Produce De-stemming via Angular Conveyor Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing agricultural produce, such as de-stemming, often result in the edible pod being harvested with attached stem and calyx, which are not eaten, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the pod during separation.
Innovation Solution
A de-stemming apparatus with conveyor units configured to convey the pod and stem at different angles, generating a separation force to separate the stem and calyx from the pod without cutting or puncturing, using a system of conveyor belts and driving units to manage the produce's trajectory and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional de-stemming methods are used to separate stem and calyx from pod, then separation is achieved, but the pod is damaged during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the stem and calyx portions from the pod through a mechanical separation process. The conveyor units are configured to convey the pod and stem at different angles, effectively extracting the unwanted portions (stem and calyx) while preserving the edible pod intact without cutting or puncturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces conveyor units as intermediary elements between the harvested produce and the final separated components. These conveyor units act as mediators that generate separation force through angular conveyance, enabling non-contact or minimal-contact separation that protects the pod from damage.
2Productivity
If manual de-stemming is performed, then pod integrity is maintained, but processing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the produce to separate its own stem and calyx through the mechanical action of the conveyor units. The system uses the natural geometry and attachment of the stem to the pod, combined with angular conveyance, to achieve self-separation without requiring cutting tools or complex mechanical interventions, thereby maintaining pod integrity while automating the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual de-stemming operations with an automated conveyor-based mechanical system. The conveyor units, driven by motors, automatically convey the produce at different angles to generate separation force, substituting human labor with a automated mechanical system that maintains pod integrity through non-contact separation.
3Productivity
If cutting methods are used to separate stem from pod, then separation is efficient, but the pod is punctured and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the natural attachment strength between stem and pod, which would normally require cutting to overcome, into a beneficial feature. By using angular conveyance on conveyor units, the system generates separation force that exploits the geometry and attachment characteristics to achieve clean separation without cutting, thereby maintaining pod integrity while preserving separation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of de-stemming produce are provided. An apparatus can process an item of produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyor unit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a first direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyor unit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in a second direction that differs from the first linear direction by between zero and 90 degrees to generate a separation force between the first portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the item of produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.