Cylindrical Roller Alignment for Automated Strawberry Destalking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing destalking machines for strawberries are inefficient due to manual loading requirements, low precision in stalk removal, and high complexity and cost, leading to prolonged processing times and potential damage to the fruit.
Innovation Solution
A destalking machine with a series of cylindrical rollers that align and rotate strawberries to position them precisely for automated stalk removal, using abutment means and cutting members to remove stalks without the need for optical sensors or complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of strawberries into funnel-shaped housing seats is used, then the destalking machine can process strawberries, but the production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The strawberries themselves perform the alignment function by rolling on the cylindrical rollers, which automatically orient them with the stalk facing the cutting device without requiring manual positioning or complex alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the manual loading operation entirely by using a conveyor system that automatically feeds strawberries into the destalking station, extracting the time-consuming manual intervention step from the process
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-depth rotary mandrel is used for stalk removal, then the machine structure is simple, but the precision of stalk removal deteriorates for strawberries of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device transitions from a fixed-depth rotary mandrel to a dynamic system where the cutting blade moves vertically along with the rolling strawberry, allowing the cutting depth to automatically adapt to strawberries of different sizes based on their rolling position and diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting depth parameter is made variable rather than fixed, allowing it to change dynamically during the cutting process based on the strawberry's size and rolling position, thereby improving precision without requiring multiple fixed-depth mandrels
3Manufacturing precision
If optical sensors and complex control systems are used to detect and actuate cutting members, then stalk removal precision improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strawberry's own rolling motion on the cylindrical rollers provides the positioning information needed for precise cutting, eliminating the need for external optical sensors or control systems to detect strawberry position and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical detection and electronic control systems with a simple mechanical rolling mechanism, where the physical act of rolling the strawberry on cylindrical rollers naturally positions it for precise cutting without electronic intervention
4Manufacturing precision
If a conveyance body is used to push strawberries against abutment means, then alignment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strawberries automatically align themselves by rolling on the cylindrical rollers, which guide them into the correct position with the stalk facing the cutting device, eliminating the need for separate conveyance bodies and abutment means for alignment
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 machine enables efficient, precise, and automated stalk removal, reducing processing time and minimizing fruit damage, while being simpler and less costly to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
A destalking machine (1) comprises a support frame (2), an alignment group (5) comprising at least one series (S) of cylindrical rollers (6) side-by-side and parallel to each other, which are extended each, between two opposite ends (7) placed on corresponding sides (L) of the series (S), along a main extension axis (Y) transverse to the advancement direction (X), and are guidedly connected to the support frame (2) along the aforesaid advancement direction (X)
Implementation Method 2
a destalking group (11) arranged in order to remove the stalk (102) from the farm products (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Destalking machine (1) for farm products (100) which are each provided with a main axis (A) thereof, with an enlarged portion (101) with a stalk (102) and with a tip portion (103), and such destalking machine (1) comprises a support frame (2), an alignment group (5) and a destalking group (11). The alignment group (5) is provided with a series (S) of rollers (6) side-by-side and parallel to each other, which are extended each along a main extension axis (Y), are guidedly connected to the support frame (2) along an advancement direction (X) and each define, with the adjacent roller (6), a reception seat (8), and with movement means (9, 10) arranged for advancing the rollers (6) along the advancement direction (X) so as to transport the farm products (100) from the inlet section (3) of the support frame (2) towards the outlet section (4) of the support frame (2) and for rotating the rollers (6) along a first operating section (W) of the advancement direction (X). The rollers (6) have cylindrical shape, such that, when rotated along the first operating section (W), they orient the farm products (100) with the axes (A) parallel to the main extension axes (Y) and translate the farm products (100) along the reception seats (8) towards the ends (7) of the rollers (6) themselves towards which the tip portions (103) are directed. In addition, the alignment group (5) comprises abutment means (12), placed along a side (L) of the series (S) and adjacent to the corresponding ends (7) in order to receive the tip portions (103) of the farm products (100) against it, and the destalking group (11) is placed upstream of the outlet section (4) and comprises a cutting member (13) aligned with the abutment means (12) in order to remove the stalk (102) from the farm products (100).