Suction-Based Food Grading Robot Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grading machines face difficulties in handling delicate food products of varying sizes, particularly in grasping and orienting them without damaging, especially when they are cut into portions that are close together on a conveyor.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an automated food processing system that includes x-ray machines for component detection, cutting machines for portioning, and grading robots with multiple degrees of freedom to maintain alignment and orientation, allowing for precise cutting and grading of food articles like fish fillets into portions that are oriented parallel or in series, while removing undesirable components like bones without disturbing the remaining flesh.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a robot arm with a gripper is used to pick up food articles from a conveyor, then automated grading is achieved, but it requires significantly more space between small articles than would otherwise be needed and cannot grasp articles oriented very close together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated gradingVSAvoidspace between articles

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gripper arm system with a suction-based removal system. Instead of using a physical gripper that requires space to approach and grasp articles, the system uses suction cups or similar vacuum-based mechanisms that can remove articles through their surfaces without requiring lateral approach space. This substitution of the mechanical grasping mechanism with a field-based (vacuum) mechanism resolves the space constraint problem while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a robot arm with a gripper is used to pick up food articles, then automated grading is achieved, but it cannot grasp articles that are oriented very close together on the conveyor without disturbing or damaging surrounding portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated gradingVSAvoiddamage to surrounding portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gripper system with a suction-based system that can selectively remove articles through their surfaces. The suction mechanism applies force normal to the article surface rather than requiring lateral approach, allowing removal of closely spaced articles without contacting or disturbing neighboring portions. This eliminates the harmful mechanical contact that would otherwise occur with gripper-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements selective removal by controlling suction application to specific local areas where articles need to be removed. The system can target individual articles or specific regions on the conveyor without affecting surrounding areas, allowing precise control over which portions are removed and which remain undisturbed. This local control capability enables handling of closely spaced articles without cross-contamination or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If conventional grading machines use arms and trays to grade food articles, then grading functionality is achieved, but several human participants are required to double check automatic procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrading functionalityVSAvoidhuman participation required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a fully automated system where the suction-based removal mechanism operates under computer control to automatically select, grasp, and transport articles to appropriate destinations. The system includes sensors and control logic that autonomously determine which articles need removal and where they should be placed, eliminating the need for human operators to manually verify or adjust the grading process. This self-service capability achieves both high productivity and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system enables efficient and precise grading of food articles by maintaining the original alignment and orientation of portions, effectively removing undesirable components like bones while minimizing damage to the remaining flesh, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of food processing.

Implementation Method 1

x-ray machines for component detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11259531B2Apparatus for processing and grading food articles and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 VALKA EHF

AI summary

This disclosure concerns methods for processing and grading food articles including x-raying the food articles a first time and taking a 3D image of the food articles.