Alternating Nozzle Fluid Distribution for Meat Carcass Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid distribution systems in meat-handling facilities are inefficient in terms of water usage, as they constantly spray pressurized water onto animal carcasses, leading to high consumption and limited opportunities for recirculation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution system with alternating nozzle assemblies and a valve assembly that alternately supplies fluid between sets of nozzle assemblies, reducing the amount of fluid used by oscillating nozzles and controlling fluid flow to optimize water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional systems continuously spray pressurized water onto animal carcasses, then effective cleaning is achieved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between multiple nozzle assemblies in sequence rather than operating all nozzles continuously. The control system activates nozzle assemblies one at a time or in rotating groups, ensuring that at least one nozzle is always active to maintain cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing overall water consumption compared to continuous operation of all nozzles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of nozzle operation through a control assembly that dynamically switches between different nozzle assemblies based on predetermined sequences. This dynamic allocation of active nozzles ensures continuous cleaning coverage along the carcass transport path while optimizing water usage by having nozzles operate in rotation rather than all at once.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple spray bars are spaced apart to form an alleyway for washing carcasses, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spray system into multiple discrete nozzle assemblies positioned at different locations along the alleyway. Each nozzle assembly serves a specific zone, and the control system manages them independently in sequences. This segmentation allows comprehensive area coverage while managing complexity through modular, zone-based control rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic activation sequences across segmented nozzle assemblies, the system achieves comprehensive spray coverage over time and space. Different nozzle assemblies are activated in sequences as carcasses move through the alleyway, ensuring all areas receive adequate spraying while the control logic remains manageable through repetitive cyclic patterns.
3Reliability
If spray nozzles are oriented to spray directly onto animal carcasses, then effective cleaning is achieved, but water recirculation opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic activation of nozzle assemblies in sequences allows spray patterns to be timed and positioned to maximize water utilization. By controlling when and where water is applied, the system optimizes the trajectory and distribution of water to enhance recirculation opportunities while maintaining effective direct spray cleaning on carcasses during active nozzle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful cleaning action through sequential nozzle operation, ensuring that as one nozzle completes its cycle, another is ready to take over. This continuous coverage maintains cleaning effectiveness while the spacing and sequencing of nozzle activation create opportunities for water recirculation between activation cycles, improving overall water efficiency.
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
This approach reduces water consumption by 30% to 50% compared to conventional systems, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly by minimizing continuous fluid application during carcass washing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a valve assembly for alternately supplying fluid to a fluid distribution system. The valve assembly includes a housing, at least one fluid inlet configured to be coupled to a fluid supply, at least two fluid outlets configured to be coupled to at least two valve assemblies of the fluid distribution system
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid distribution systems for use in meat-handling facilities include a fluid distribution assembly for fluidly coupling with a fluid supply where the fluid distribution assembly comprises at least one valve for alternately supplying fluid to a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may further include at least one motor for oscillating the nozzle assemblies. Cabinet assemblies for use in meat-handling facilities may include a fluid distribution system. Valve assemblies may include a diverter for selectively supplying fluid to at least two outlets. Methods of washing at least a portion of a carcass include spraying fluid onto the at least a portion of the carcass with a first set of nozzle assemblies and with a second set of nozzle assemblies positioned over the first set of nozzle assemblies.