Angled Incision Method for Viscera Removal in Poultry Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cutting open slaughtered animals result in large incisions, leading to unnecessary loss of belly fat and increased processing time, particularly when removing viscera, which is undesirable for market retention and presentation purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two interconnected incisions made at angles to each other, with the first incision extending transversely and the second incision extending medially, allowing for a smaller overall cut that efficiently removes viscera while minimizing tissue damage and preserving belly fat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a single large incision is made to remove viscera, then the viscera can be removed completely, but the incision size increases causing loss of belly fat and longer processing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelly fat lossVSAvoidviscera removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single large incision is segmented into two separate incisions: a first incision extending from the cloaca to the breast tip, and a second incision extending from the cloaca at an angle to the first incision. This segmentation allows complete viscera removal through the combined incisions while preserving belly fat and reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If a single large incision is made to remove viscera, then the viscera can be removed completely, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidbelly fat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The incision is divided into two separate cuts made at different locations and angles, allowing parallel access to different viscera regions. This enables faster complete removal of viscera without requiring a single large incision, thus reducing processing time while preserving belly fat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If a large incision is made for viscera removal, then complete removal is achieved, but the cut size increases affecting product presentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut sizeVSAvoidbelly fat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of one large incision, two smaller incisions are made at different angles from the cloaca. The first incision goes to the breast tip, and the second incision extends at an angle to provide additional access. This segmented approach creates smaller individual cuts that preserve belly fat and improve product presentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10285410B2Method for cutting open a slaughtered animal which is suspended with its legs from a suspension hook of a conveyor

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 MAREL STORK POULTRY PROCESSING

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for cutting open a slaughtered animal, in particular fowl, which is suspended with its legs from a suspension hook of a conveyor, in particular, but not limited to, making an incision in the belly of a slaughtered bird, wherein the method comprises the step of making a first incision in the skin of the slaughtered animal, which first incision extends substantially in a first direction of the slaughtered animal.