Vacuum-Less Egg Lifting Device Using Resilient Mechanical Grasping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction-type egg lifting devices in poultry hatcheries require additional mechanisms and power, are difficult to maintain, and cannot straighten eggs oriented at an angle, posing challenges in egg processing efficiency and hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum-less/suction-less egg lifting device with a resilient securing arrangement that physically engages and deflects around the egg for lifting, allowing for efficient egg removal and straightening without the need for suction or vacuum, featuring a body with a securing arrangement formed by resilient members that can accommodate eggs of varying sizes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction-type lifting devices are used to lift eggs, then eggs can be lifted from flats, but additional mechanisms and power requirements are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveegg lifting capabilityVSAvoidpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the vacuum/suction system entirely from the egg lifting device, extracting the harmful dependency on additional mechanisms and power requirements while retaining the core egg lifting function through a simpler mechanical grasping mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex pneumatic vacuum system with a simple mechanical grasping mechanism using resilient members that physically engage and deflect around the egg, eliminating the need for power-driven suction while maintaining reliable egg lifting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveegg lifting capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vacuum system and associated complex mechanisms from the lifting device, leaving only simple mechanical components that are easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning, directly addressing the maintenance difficulty problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily cleaned or replaced if contaminated, reducing maintenance complexity and time requirements compared to complex vacuum systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If suction-type lifting devices are used to lift eggs, then eggs can be lifted, but the polymer-based suction cup becomes deformed about the lip area after continuous use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction and lifting abilityVSAvoidservice life of suction cup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the polymer-based suction cup entirely, eliminating the deformation problem at the lip area that occurs after continuous use, and replaces it with resilient members that do not suffer from the same degradation issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the suction cup mechanism with a mechanical grasping system using resilient members that deflect around the egg, providing a durable alternative that does not deform over time like polymer suction cups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If suction-type lifting devices are used to lift eggs, then eggs can be lifted, but eggs oriented at an angle are not straightened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveegg lifting capabilityVSAvoidegg orientation handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient grasping mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lift eggs from various orientations and simultaneously straighten off-axis eggs, providing adaptability that the suction-type device lacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures reliable operation by eliminating the need for vacuum systems, while enabling the straightening of off-axis eggs, enhancing processing efficiency and hygiene in poultry hatcheries.

Implementation Method 1

a securing arrangement formed by a plurality of resilient members cooperating to form an open-ended arrangement through which an egg is capable of being received

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9731943B2Egg lifting device, and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 ZOETIS SERVICES LLC

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 is 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.