Vacuum-Less Egg Lifting Device Using Resilient Securing Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction-type egg lifting devices require additional mechanisms and power, are difficult to maintain, and cannot straighten eggs oriented at an angle, posing challenges in egg processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-less/suction-less egg lifting device using a securing arrangement with resilient members to physically engage and lift eggs, allowing for easy maintenance and straightening of off-axis eggs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used, then eggs can be lifted, but additional mechanisms and power requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vacuum system and suction cup mechanisms from the egg lifting device, extracting the complex pneumatic subsystem. The lifting function is achieved through a simpler mechanical pressing mechanism that directly engages the egg shell, eliminating the need for vacuum generators, hoses, and control systems while maintaining reliable egg lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (vacuum-based suction cups) with a direct mechanical pressing mechanism. The lifter applies controlled mechanical force through a pressing surface that engages the egg shell, substituting complex pneumatic components with straightforward mechanical elements that are easier to manufacture and maintain.
2Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used, then eggs can be lifted, but maintenance and cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum system components (vacuum pump, seals, hoses, suction cups) that create maintenance difficulties. By removing these components entirely and replacing them with a solid mechanical pressing mechanism, the device becomes much easier to clean and maintain, with no internal passages or seals requiring attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous or permeable pressing surface that allows egg fluid to pass through during engagement. This design prevents fluid accumulation within the lifting mechanism, eliminating the need for complex cleaning procedures and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable egg lifting capability.
3Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used, then eggs can be lifted, but polymer-based suction cups become deformed affecting suction ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polymer-based suction cups from the design, eliminating the material degradation and deformation issues inherent in continuous suction applications. The mechanical pressing surface used instead is structurally stable and maintains its lifting capability throughout its service life without the deformation problems that plague elastic suction materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pressing surface with a curvature that matches the egg shell geometry, ensuring uniform contact and force distribution. This curved surface design prevents stress concentration and material deformation, allowing the mechanical lifter to maintain consistent lifting performance over extended use without the degradation seen in flat or irregular suction cup surfaces.
4Reliability
If suction-type lifting devices are used, then eggs can be lifted, but eggs oriented at an angle are not straightened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mechanical lifter with a pressing surface and engagement geometry that performs multiple functions: it lifts eggs from various orientations and simultaneously straightens them into the correct position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate straightening mechanisms, making the device adaptable to eggs in different starting positions while maintaining reliable lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved pressing surface that conforms to the egg shell shape, enabling the lifter to engage eggs regardless of their initial orientation. The spherical or curved geometry allows the lifter to apply force that both lifts and orients the egg correctly, providing adaptability to various egg positions without requiring complex adjustment 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
The solution simplifies egg lifting, improves maintenance, and effectively straightens eggs, reducing the need for complex mechanisms and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a securing arrangement with resilient members to physically engage and lift eggs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An egg lifting device (500) is provided. Such a device includes a body (502) and a securing arrangement (550) extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg (1) such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices are arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat.