A device for measuring drip loss of livestock meat

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of detection equipment, concretely relates to a device for measuring drip loss of livestock and poultry meat product. Including drip measuring tube, weighing device and measuring tube box, the drip measuring tube includes tube main part and tube cover, the bottom of tube main part is the double -deck structure of inner recessed spherical surface shape + outer cylindrical shape, there is outer thread at the port of tube main part, the tube cover has internal thread, the tube cover is combined with tube main part through thread, forms the tube cover sealing structure, the utility model discloses reduce the measurement error, guarantee the measurement accuracy. The device of the present application adopts the combined design of drip measuring tube and weighing device, does not need to take the meat sample and weigh from the refrigerator manually, only needs to hang the meat sample in the measuring tube, can real -time transmission the weight of meat sample. The utility model can realize the reuse, and the operation is simple and quick, can greatly improve the efficiency of measurement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of testing equipment technology, specifically relating to a device for measuring drip loss in livestock and poultry meat products. Background Technology

[0002] The quality of meat products directly affects people's health and consumption desires; therefore, the assessment of meat quality is of great significance to the healthy development of the meat industry. Currently, the indicators for evaluating meat quality include: meat color, intramuscular fat (marbling), tenderness, drip loss, water-holding capacity, dry matter content, total fat content, cholesterol content, cooking loss, and moisture content after cooking. Among these, meat color, pH value, water-holding capacity, drip loss, and tenderness are the main meat quality indicators.

[0003] Water holding capacity (WHC) refers to the ability of meat to retain all or part of its moisture, and is one of the most important characteristics of meat quality. It is also a major factor affecting meat processing and marketable yield. When meat is cut, the weight loss due to washing or dripping can range from 2% to 10%, resulting in economic losses for meat processors and retailers. Methods for measuring muscle water holding capacity can be divided into three categories: 1. Without applying any external force, such as the dripping method; 2. With external force applied, such as the pressure method and centrifugation method; 3. With heat applied, such as using the cooked meat yield to reflect the loss of moisture during cooking.

[0004] Currently, the drip loss method is widely used both domestically and internationally to determine the water-holding capacity of muscle, with the dropper method and the bagging method being the two main methods for measuring muscle drip loss. The dropper method was initially proposed in 1996 by the Danish Meat Research Institute (DMRI), which developed the EZ pork drip loss measuring tube based on it, primarily for measuring pork drip loss. In domestic industry and research institutions, the bagging method is typically used for measuring meat drip loss in related animal experiments and meat quality assessments. Although the EZ pork drip loss measuring tube method and the bagging method are widely used both domestically and internationally, the measuring devices used in practice still have shortcomings and require further improvement.

[0005] EZ pork drip loss test tubes are imported products, requiring importation. They are for single use only, resulting in high prices, high single-use costs, and limited availability. The main shortcomings or errors of the bagging method are: 1. The meat sample easily comes into contact with the bag, causing surface water to adhere and leading to measurement errors. In practice, due to the lack of suitable bagging products, users typically use self-sealing bags based on experimental and working conditions. 2. The bagging method requires opening the refrigerator, removing the meat sample, and absorbing surface moisture with filter paper after the measurement time. This action is prone to errors due to personnel and operational factors.

[0006] Both the EZ pork drip loss test tube method and the bagging method suffer from errors due to variations in the ambient temperature during meat sample weighing. Specifically, both methods require weighing the meat sample at room temperature (initial weight) before the test. After 24 or 48 hours, the testing device containing the meat sample is removed from the 0℃~4℃ freezer, and the sample is weighed again (final weight). When the testing device or meat sample is removed from the 0℃~4℃ freezer, it experiences a sudden temperature change from low to room temperature, which can easily lead to condensation. That is, the surface of the cold meat sample or testing device absorbs water when it suddenly reaches room temperature, and moisture in the air condenses and adheres to the surface, forming water droplets. This situation introduces errors in weighing. As mentioned earlier, the current method for addressing condensation on the meat sample surface after removal from a low-temperature environment is to absorb the moisture with filter paper before weighing. However, wiping and similar actions are prone to human error.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of current drip loss measurement devices for meat products, there is a need for a drip loss measurement device that is highly accurate, reusable, and easy to operate. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention provides a device for measuring drip loss in livestock and poultry meat. This invention reduces measurement errors and ensures measurement accuracy. The device employs a combination design of a drip measuring tube and a weighing device, eliminating the need for manual removal and weighing of meat samples from the refrigerator. The meat sample is simply hung in the measuring tube, and its weight is transmitted in real time. This invention is reusable, simple and quick to operate, and significantly improves measurement efficiency.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An apparatus for measuring drip loss in livestock and poultry meat products includes a drip test tube, a weighing device, and a test tube box. The drip test tube includes a tube body and a tube cap. The bottom of the tube body has a double-layer structure of an inner concave spherical shape and an outer cylindrical shape. The tube body has an external thread at its end, and the tube cap has an internal thread. The tube cap and the tube body are screwed together by the threads to form a tube cap sealing structure. The weighing device is fixedly installed below the center of the inner side of the tube cap, and the weighing hook of the weighing device is used to suspend the meat sample. The test tube box is used to hold the drip test tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the weighing device is either a Wi-Fi weighing device or a Bluetooth weighing device.

[0011] Furthermore, the tube body is made of a transparent plastic or resin.

[0012] Furthermore, an O-ring is fixedly installed inside the pipe cap.

[0013] Furthermore, the O-ring is either a rubber O-ring or a silicone O-ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the weighing device is embedded directly below the inner side of the tube cover, and the weighing device has a charging port on the outer side of the tube cover. A sealing strip is fixedly provided at the connection between the charging port and the tube cover.

[0015] Furthermore, the measuring tube box is provided with tube holes that match the shape of the tube body; each measuring tube box is fixed with protruding support columns at its four corners.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This utility model reduces measurement error and ensures measurement accuracy. The bagging method commonly used for drip loss measurement is prone to the meat sample sticking to the inner wall of the bag during the measurement, thus affecting the accuracy of the measurement results. At the same time, the bagging method requires manual removal of the meat sample from the bag after the measurement. During the removal process, the surface of the meat sample will come into contact with the bag, the operator's gloves, and the weighing vessel, thus affecting the weighing accuracy. In particular, if drip loss measurement is required at multiple time points (such as 24h, 48h, 96h, 120h, etc.), repeated removal and weighing of the meat sample will cause changes in the shape or structure of the meat sample, which will affect the measurement accuracy.

[0017] More importantly, the commonly used bagging method or EZ pork test tube method for drip loss determination requires removing the device and meat sample from an environment of 0℃~4℃ (such as a refrigerator) at the measurement time point, and then weighing the meat sample for drip loss. This process is susceptible to condensation on the surface of the meat sample or device after transitioning from low to high temperatures. To address this condensation issue, existing standards and practices use the bagging method of "absorbing moisture from the surface of the meat sample with filter paper and then weighing it." However, actions such as absorbing moisture from the surface of the meat sample with filter paper are prone to errors due to personnel and operational factors.

[0018] (2) The device of this application adopts a combination design of drip loss measuring tube and weighing device. It eliminates the need for manual removal and weighing of meat samples from the refrigerator. The meat sample is simply hung in the measuring tube, and the weight of the meat sample can be transmitted in real time. This ensures that whether drip loss is measured at a single time point (e.g., 24h) or at multiple time points (e.g., 24h, 48h, 96h, 120h, etc.), there will be no human disturbance to the meat sample, thus ensuring the accuracy of drip loss measurement. In this device, the meat sample is vertically and centrally suspended in the closed measuring tube, avoiding the influence of air flow and preventing the meat sample from touching the tube wall. In addition, for drip loss measurement at multiple time points, data can be obtained very conveniently, avoiding operational errors such as temperature fluctuations and weight measurement deviations caused by repeatedly opening and closing the refrigerator and repeatedly taking out samples, thus ensuring the accuracy of drip loss measurement results. In addition to performing classic single-time-point (e.g., 24h or 48h) drip loss measurement and multi-time-point (e.g., 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 120h, etc.) drip loss measurement, this application can also perform drip loss measurement throughout the entire process, obtain dynamic weight data of meat samples in real time, and realize full-process monitoring of drip loss.

[0019] (3) This utility model can be reused. All components of the device can be reused. For example, the measuring tube can be stored or reused after being cleaned, wiped dry or air-dried, which is very convenient. Other components can be reused at any time. It is also easy to operate. For the device of this application, the operation of meat sample hanging, component assembly, etc. is simple and convenient. Whether it is a first-time user or an experienced user, efficient operation can be achieved. The burette has a double-layer design of concave spherical surface and outer cylinder at the bottom. The concave spherical surface design facilitates cleaning of the inner wall of the tube after measurement, and the outer cylinder tube design allows the burette to stand upright, which is convenient for operation.

[0020] (4) The device of this application can be configured with different numbers of drip test tubes and tube boxes according to the sample quantity required for the test. These materials are not easily damaged, can be reused, and are easy and quick to operate, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the test. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drip measuring tube of this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a drip measuring tube for suspending meat samples; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cap structure for a drip measuring tube; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a data collection model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a burette box.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1-Tube body, 2-Tube cap, 3-Weighing device, 4-Hook, 5-Sealing ring, 6-Internal thread, 7-Charging port, 8-Sealing strip, 9-Measurement tube box. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Example like Figures 1-5 As shown, an apparatus for measuring drip loss in livestock and poultry meat products includes a drip measuring tube, a weighing device 3, and a measuring tube box 9. The drip measuring tube includes a tube body 1 and a tube cap 2. The bottom of the tube body 1 has a double-layer structure of an inner concave spherical shape and an outer cylindrical shape. This structure allows the drip measuring tube to stand vertically. The concave spherical shape is designed to collect drips from the meat sample, acting as a storage tank. At the same time, the concave spherical shape also facilitates cleaning and scrubbing of the burette after use. The tube body 1 has an external thread at its end, and the tube cap 2 has an internal thread 6. The tube cap 2 and the tube body 1 are screwed together by the threads to form a tube cap sealing structure. The weighing device 3 is fixedly installed below the center of the inner side of the tube cap 2. The weighing hook 4 of the weighing device 3 is used to suspend the meat sample. The measuring tube box 9 is used to hold the drip measuring tube.

[0025] This invention reduces measurement errors and ensures measurement accuracy. The commonly used bagging method for drip loss measurement often results in meat samples sticking to the inner wall of the bag, affecting the accuracy of the results. Furthermore, the bagging method requires manual removal of the meat sample from the bag after measurement, during which the sample surface comes into contact with the bag, the operator's gloves, and the weighing vessel, thus affecting weighing accuracy. Especially when multiple time points (e.g., 24h, 48h, 96h, 120h, etc.) need to be measured for drip loss, repeated weighing of the meat sample can alter its morphology or structure, further impacting measurement accuracy.

[0026] More importantly, the commonly used bagging method or EZ pork test tube method for drip loss determination requires removing the device and meat sample from an environment of 0℃~4℃ (such as a refrigerator) at the measurement time point, and then weighing the meat sample for drip loss. This process is susceptible to condensation on the surface of the meat sample or device after transitioning from low to high temperatures. To address this condensation issue, existing standards and practices use the bagging method of "absorbing moisture from the surface of the meat sample with filter paper and then weighing it." However, actions such as absorbing moisture from the surface of the meat sample with filter paper are prone to errors due to personnel and operational factors.

[0027] This device employs a combination design of a drip loss measuring tube and a weighing device, eliminating the need for manual removal and weighing of meat samples from the refrigerator. The meat sample is simply hung in the measuring tube, allowing for real-time weight transmission. This ensures that whether measuring drip loss at a single time point (e.g., 24 hours) or multiple time points (e.g., 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, 96 hours, 120 hours, etc.), there will be no human disturbance to the meat sample, guaranteeing the accuracy of the drip loss measurement. In this device, the meat sample is vertically and centrally suspended in the closed measuring tube, avoiding the influence of airflow and preventing the meat sample from touching the tube wall. Furthermore, for multi-time-point drip loss measurements, data acquisition is very convenient, avoiding operational errors such as temperature fluctuations and weight measurement deviations caused by repeatedly opening and closing the refrigerator and repeatedly taking samples, thus ensuring the accuracy of the drip loss measurement results. In addition to performing classic single-time-point (e.g., 24h or 48h) drip loss measurement and multi-time-point (e.g., 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 120h, etc.) drip loss measurement, this application can also perform drip loss measurement throughout the entire process, obtain dynamic weight data of meat samples in real time, and realize full-process monitoring of drip loss.

[0028] Furthermore, the weighing device 3 is either a Wi-Fi weighing device or a Bluetooth weighing device.

[0029] This invention offers flexible and diverse data collection methods. The weighing device includes a Bluetooth module and a Wi-Fi module, allowing users to choose between different data collection modes, such as short-range Bluetooth data acquisition and remote network data acquisition, to meet their diverse data collection needs. Bluetooth short-range and remote network data acquisition offer advantages such as not requiring the refrigerator to be opened or closed and the ability to acquire dynamic data in real time. This device, by using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless transmission of weight data, avoids issues such as temperature changes in meat samples caused by removing them for weighing. Furthermore, in addition to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, temperature and humidity measurement modules can be added to monitor the environmental conditions inside the burette in real time. Users can choose to combine different modules as needed, thus meeting diverse usage requirements while achieving product functionality and cost versatility and flexibility.

[0030] Furthermore, the tube body 1 is made of a transparent plastic or resin.

[0031] Furthermore, an O-ring 5 is fixedly installed inside the pipe cap 2. It provides an elastic seal to further enhance the sealing performance between the pipe cap 2 and the pipe body 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the O-ring 5 is either a rubber sealing ring or a silicone sealing ring.

[0033] Furthermore, the weighing device 3 is embedded inside the tube cover 2 directly below it, and the weighing device 3 is provided with a charging port 7 on the outside of the tube cover 2. A sealing strip 8 is fixedly provided at the connection between the charging port 7 and the tube cover 2 to prevent dust and water.

[0034] This invention allows for reuse; all components of the device are reusable. For example, the measuring tube can be stored or reused after cleaning, drying, or air-drying, which is very convenient. Other components can be reused at any time. Operation is also convenient. With this device, sample collection and component assembly are simple and convenient, allowing for efficient operation by both first-time users and experienced users. The burette features a double-layer design with an inner concave spherical surface and an outer cylinder. The inner spherical surface facilitates cleaning of the inner wall after measurement, while the outer cylindrical body allows the burette to stand upright, facilitating operation.

[0035] Furthermore, the measuring tube box 9 is provided with a tube hole that matches the shape of the tube body 1. During the measurement, the drip measuring tube is inserted into the tube hole, which serves to hold and vertically fix the drip measuring tube. Each measuring tube box 9 is fixed with a protruding support column at its four corners, so that the measuring tube boxes 9 can be stacked in multiple layers.

[0036] The device described in this application can be configured with different numbers of drip test tubes and tube boxes according to the sample quantity required for the experiment. These materials are not easily damaged, can be reused, and are easy and quick to operate, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the test.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring drip loss in livestock and poultry meat products, comprising a drip measuring tube, a weighing device (3), and a measuring tube box (9), characterized in that, The drip test tube includes a tube body (1) and a tube cap (2); the bottom of the tube body (1) is a double-layer structure of concave spherical and outer cylindrical; the tube body (1) has an external thread at the port, and the tube cap (2) has an internal thread (6). The tube cap (2) and the tube body (1) are screwed together by the thread to form a tube cap sealing structure; the weighing device (3) is fixedly installed below the center of the inner side of the tube cap (2), and the weighing hook (4) of the weighing device (3) is used to hang the meat sample; the test tube box (9) is used to place the drip test tube.

2. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing device (3) is either a Wi-Fi weighing device or a Bluetooth weighing device.

3. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body (1) is made of a transparent plastic or resin.

4. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 1, characterized in that, An O-ring (5) is fixedly installed inside the pipe cap (2).

5. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 4, characterized in that, The O-ring (5) is one of a rubber ring or a silicone ring.

6. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing device (3) is embedded in the inner side of the tube cover (2) directly below. The weighing device (3) has a charging port (7) on the outside of the tube cover (2). A sealing strip (8) is fixed at the connection between the charging port (7) and the tube cover (2).

7. The device for measuring drip water loss in livestock and poultry meat products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring tube box (9) has a tube hole that matches the shape of the tube body (1); each measuring tube box (9) has a raised support column fixed at its four corners.

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