Continuous Shell Engraving on Moving Mollusk Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking molluscs with external shells, such as laser engraving, require costly and time-consuming operations involving dedicated operators and conveyor systems, leading to packaging line slowdowns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device and packaging line that integrates detection and location means to control engraving on a transfer conveyor, allowing for dynamic engraving of molluscs in bulk without the need for specific positioning, using a single laser capable of orienting and translating to engrave shells directly on the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each mollusc is positioned in a housing of a loading tray before engraving, then the engraving position is known and precise, but expensive and time-consuming resources are required including dedicated operators and conveyor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (housing trays and dedicated conveyors) with an optical detection system (camera) that captures images of molluscs on the conveyor belt and uses image processing to determine their positions and orientations, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the mollusc arrangement on the conveyor belt, processes this copy to extract position and orientation information, and uses this information to control the laser engraving, replacing the need for physical positioning structures
2Reliability
If molluscs are engraved in housing units on a transfer conveyor, then systematic identification is achieved, but regular interruptions occur for removing engraved molluscs causing slowdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous engraving operations by detecting mollusc positions dynamically during conveyor movement and adjusting laser positioning in real-time, eliminating the need to stop the conveyor for removing engraved molluscs from housing trays, thus maintaining continuous packaging line operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static housing-tray-based positioning system to a dynamic system where the camera continuously captures moving molluscs and the laser dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time image processing, allowing the system to adapt to molluscs in motion without interrupting the conveyor
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated operators and conveyor systems are added for positioning molluscs, then systematic engraving is achieved, but costly and time-consuming resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical positioning infrastructure (housing trays, dedicated conveyors, operator stations) with an automated optical-detection-and-laser-positioning system that uses image processing algorithms to achieve precise engraving without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning where the camera automatically detects and locates molluscs on the conveyor, and the laser automatically adjusts its position based on image processing results, eliminating the need for operator intervention and complex positioning mechanisms
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
This solution ensures continuous packaging line operations, reduces operator intervention, and enhances productivity by enabling bulk engraving at constant conveyor speed, eliminating the need for dedicated operators and housing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the engraving means comprise a laser capable of engraving an imprint on a mollusk shell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This device (1) comprising one of the engraving means (4) capable of engraving an imprint on a shell, and control means capable of controlling an engraving of the imprint on the shell by the engraving means (4), comprising means for detecting and locating a shell coupled to the control means for controlling said engraving.