Load Cell Mechatronic Approach with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in SolidWorks Design Development of a Small-Scale Egg Sorter

Abstract

This research was about developing an automated small-scale egg sorting machine, equipped with mechatronic components, that can sort chicken eggs and place them in trays according to five (5) weight classifications: pewee, small, medium, large, and extra-large with the use of an Arduino load sensor. The machine was made up of a load cell sensor, an Arduino mega controller, a suction mechanism hanging from a rail system driven by a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) stepper motor, and a set of five egg trays for the five (5) egg weight classifications. The Arduino Mega microcontroller was used to operate the machine's moving parts, pump, sensors, and LCD. The machine was equipped with an alarm system that produces a sound when the suction picks up the 13th egg of a full tray. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation was done using SolidWorks software to analyze the vacuum pump capacity and the effects of dynamic force on the eggs during the pick and place process. Testing results of the actual fabricated machine indicated that it was able to successfully weigh, pick through suction, sort, and place eggs into 2x6 trays according to weights. The accuracy was 92.55 percent.