Resilient Egg Lifter for Vacuum-Free Pickup and Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction-type egg lifting devices require additional mechanisms and power, are difficult to maintain, and cannot straighten eggs oriented at an angle, posing challenges in egg processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-less/suction-less egg lifting device with a securing arrangement of resilient members that physically engages and deflects to lift eggs, allowing for easy maintenance and straightening of off-axis eggs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used to lift eggs, then eggs can be lifted effectively, but additional mechanisms and power requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vacuum/suction system from the egg lifting device, extracting the problematic power-consuming component while retaining the essential egg lifting function through a simpler mechanical deflection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic suction system with a simple mechanical deflection mechanism using resilient members that physically engage and deflect about the egg, eliminating the need for vacuum generation
2Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used to lift eggs, then eggs can be lifted, but the devices are difficult to maintain and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vacuum system and associated suction components that create maintenance difficulties, particularly after egg explosions, leaving only simple mechanical resilient members that are easier to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced or cleaned, treating them as consumable parts rather than complex mechanical systems requiring sophisticated maintenance
3Productivity
If polymer-based suction cups are used continuously, then eggs can be lifted, but the cups become deformed about the lip area affecting suction ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the polymer suction cup material with resilient members that physically engage and deflect about the egg, eliminating the material deformation problem inherent in continuous suction cup use
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members dynamically engage and deflect about the egg during lifting, providing continuous reliable contact without the permanent deformation that occurs in static suction cups
4Productivity
If suction-type lifting devices are used, then eggs can be lifted, but eggs oriented at an angle are not straightened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the egg lifting device multi-functional by enabling it to both lift eggs and straighten off-axis eggs through the deflection action of the resilient members, which naturally align eggs during the engagement process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies egg lifting, improves maintenance, and effectively lifts and straightens eggs without the need for vacuum or suction, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of egg processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An egg lifting device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a securing arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices are arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat. Associated systems and methods are also provided.