Valve-less Manifold for Egg Processing Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional egg processing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent sanitization fluid delivery to multiple egg injection devices, leading to variability in dispense volume and increased maintenance efforts due to complex valve-based sanitization systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve-less manifold assembly is used to supply sanitizing fluid under pressure to egg processing devices, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery of sanitizing fluid through a design without check valves, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring repeatable dispense volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve-based sanitization systems are used, then sanitization function is provided, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes check valves from the sanitization system entirely. The valve-less manifold assembly delivers sanitizing fluid through passive flow paths without requiring active valve components, thereby eliminating the complexity and maintenance needs associated with valve systems while preserving the sanitization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly is designed to self-regulate fluid distribution without external control mechanisms. The passive flow distribution system automatically balances sanitizing fluid delivery to multiple injection devices through its geometric design, eliminating the need for complex valve control systems.
2Ease of operation
If valve-based fluid distribution is used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but dispense volume consistency deteriorates due to pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold assembly incorporates locally optimized flow paths with specific geometric features at different locations. Each fluid outlet has tailored channel dimensions and configurations that compensate for pressure variations, ensuring consistent dispense volumes across all injection devices despite differences in their positions within the manifold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in flow path geometry, channel cross-sectional areas, and outlet configurations to regulate fluid distribution. By carefully designing these physical parameters, the system achieves consistent sanitizing fluid delivery to multiple devices without requiring active flow control valves.
3Reliability
If complex sanitization systems with multiple components are used, then comprehensive sanitization is provided, but servicing and maintenance efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid distribution and sanitization functions into a single manifold assembly structure. By combining multiple flow paths, outlets, and flow regulation features into one unified component, the system reduces the number of separate parts that require individual maintenance while maintaining comprehensive sanitization coverage across all injection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly is designed as a simple, durable structure with no moving parts or complex components that wear out. The valve-less design eliminates parts that require periodic replacement or servicing, making the system extremely maintenance-friendly with only basic cleaning and sanitization needed.
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 valve-less manifold assembly achieves consistent and accurate sanitization by minimizing pressure variations and reducing maintenance, ensuring each egg processing device receives a repeatable volume of sanitizing fluid, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the egg processing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
supplying sanitizing fluid under pressure to a fluid inlet of a valve-less manifold assembly
Implementation Method 2
delivering sanitizing fluid to a plurality of fluid outlets of the valve-less manifold assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a plurality of egg processing devices configured to interact with an avian egg. A sanitization system is in fluid communication with the egg processing devices. The sanitization system is configured to deliver sanitizing fluid to the egg processing devices for sanitization thereof after interaction with an egg. The sanitization system has a valve-less manifold assembly. An associated method is also provided.