Transverse Sweeper Mechanism for Organ Package Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for conveying organ packages to processing stations often fail to maintain the optimal orientation of organs during transfer, which can hinder the efficiency of harvesting operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a sweeper-device with a pusher-plate that moves transversely to the conveying direction at discharge stations to maintain organ orientation, synchronized with the tray-conveyor using a gear wheel mechanism or electrical coupling, and allows for individual operation and bypass of rejected packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If organ packages are transferred from trays to processing stations using conventional methods, then the transfer operation is simple, but the orientation of organs is not maintained and harvesting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A pusher-plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the tray and the processing station. The pusher-plate receives the organ package from the tray and guides it in the desired orientation to the processing station, acting as a mediator that ensures proper orientation without requiring complex reorientation mechanisms at the discharge station.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher-plate moves in a direction that is at least partially transverse to the conveying direction of the tray. This dimensional change in the transfer motion allows the organ package to be redirected from the longitudinal conveying path to a transverse discharge path, maintaining optimal orientation for harvesting while simplifying the discharge station design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pusher-plate moves transversely to convey organ packages, then optimal organ orientation is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper-device integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: the pusher-plate simultaneously performs the functions of transferring organ packages from trays, orienting them correctly, and guiding them to the processing station. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining precise orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher-plate is designed as a multi-functional element that can handle different organ packages with varying orientations and sizes. It universally applies the transverse motion principle to all organ packages on the tray conveyor, maintaining precision without requiring package-specific adjustment mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If trays are positioned closely together for efficient conveying, then space utilization is improved, but clogging between trays may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The organ package is extracted from the tray at the discharge station using the pusher-plate before the tray returns to its initial position. This extraction ensures that packages are removed completely and do not remain in positions where they could cause clogging between adjacent trays, allowing trays to be positioned closely together for efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher-plate performs a preliminary wiping motion across the tray surface before the organ package is fully discharged. This preliminary action ensures that any organ packages or debris are pushed off the tray edge, preventing them from falling into the spaces between adjacent trays and causing clogging, thereby enabling closer tray positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying organ packages to a processing station or stations, comprising a tray-conveyor having a series of trays movable in the conveying-direction, each tray arranged to receive an organ package, wherein the tray-conveyor has at least one discharge-station for the organ packages that are to be moved to the processing station or stations.