Vegetable Core Removal Layout Using Under-Belt Gravity Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing parts from vegetable pieces, such as cores from lettuce or cabbage, are complex, prone to system failures, and result in reduced quality due to parts falling back onto the transport mechanism, requiring additional height measurements and control, which complicates the process and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a transport mechanism and a removal mechanism arranged below, utilizing an imaging device and display to align the part accurately with an opening, allowing gravity-driven removal without backfall, and enabling consistent removal depth adjustment based on vegetable dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the removal mechanism is arranged above the transport mechanism, then the removal operation can be performed from above, but the removed part falls back on the transport mechanism reducing quality and requiring complex lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the removal mechanism below the transport mechanism instead of above. This inversion allows the cutting operation to occur from underneath, causing removed parts to fall away from the product flow rather than back onto it, thereby eliminating contamination while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the removal operation by accessing the vegetable piece from below rather than from above. This dimensional change allows the removal mechanism to cut parts that then fall downward away from the transport path, solving the contamination problem without requiring complex lifting or redirecting mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If additional measures are taken to measure height and control removal depth, then accurate removal can be achieved, but system complexity increases and failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the operator to visually align the vegetable piece with the opening using the display, and the removal mechanism automatically performs the cutting at the correct depth. The system self-regulates the removal process without requiring external height measurement devices or complex control systems, as the alignment is achieved through direct visual feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical height measurement and control systems with a visual alignment system using a display and opening. Instead of using sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to manage removal depth, the system uses optical alignment where the operator can directly see and adjust the positioning through the display
3Productivity
If manual alignment is performed without visual feedback, then the system remains simple, but alignment accuracy decreases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback by providing a display that shows the operator the alignment between the vegetable piece and the opening in real-time. This feedback loop allows the operator to make precise adjustments to the alignment, ensuring accurate positioning for the removal operation while maintaining high productivity through rapid visual assessment and correction
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 system achieves high productivity (1500-2000 parts per hour) with improved quality by ensuring accurate and consistent removal of vegetable parts, reducing system complexity and failure risk, and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
at least one imaging device arranged below the transport mechanism, wherein the imaging device is orientated to at least one opening which is upstream of the removal mechanism seen in the transport direction
Implementation Method 2
the removal mechanism is arranged below the transport mechanism, such that after the removal operation the removed part will fall under the influence of gravity from the transport mechanism without the risk that the part or pieces of the part fall back on the transport mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for removing at least one part from a vegetable piece. The invention further relates to a method for removing at least one part from a vegetable piece. The part to be removed from the vegetable piece is for example a core of iceberg lettuce or cabbage.