Vision Guided Robot for Automatic Poultry Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically suspending poultry are complex, expensive, and prone to failure due to the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a vision guided robot and a decision-making tool to automatically suspend poultry by the legs from a carrier conveyor, simplifying the process by engaging the poultry at the legs only when the breast is aligned with the feedline, thus eliminating the need for complicated orientation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pieces of equipment are used for automatic poultry suspension, then the suspension function can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suspension function with the existing conveyor system by integrating a robot that picks poultry from the conveyor and hangs them on a Christmas tree structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate, dedicated suspension equipment while maintaining reliable automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects poultry position, picks poultry from the conveyor, orients them correctly, and suspends them on the Christmas tree. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate machines, reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complicated orientation systems are used to align poultry, then precise orientation can be achieved, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the poultry's own body position and the feedline structure as reference points for orientation. The robot detects where the poultry naturally rests on the feedline and uses this self-positioning information to determine the correct pickup location, eliminating the need for external orientation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation systems with a vision-based robot that uses image processing to detect poultry position and orientation. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-based detection simplifies the overall system while maintaining precise control over poultry orientation.
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 reduces costs, improves reliability, and simplifies the process of automatically suspending poultry, ensuring consistent and efficient operation even with non-organized poultry supply.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (11) to take images from the poultry (8) on the feedline (1)
Implementation Method 2
a vision guided robot (4) for picking up the poultry (8) from the feedline (1) by engaging the poultry (8) at the legs (8'') and subsequently suspending the poultry (8) by the legs (8'') from the carrier (6) of the carrier conveyor (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically suspending poultry by the legs from a carrier of a carrier conveyor. The system can include an imaging device connected to a decision-making tool to process images from the poultry on a feedline and a vision guided robot for picking up the poultry from a feedline. The poultry can be suspended from the carrier of the carrier conveyor. The decision-making tool can be arranged to detect poultry with the breast engaging the feedline to control the vision guided robot to pick up the poultry from the feedline.