Angled Separator for Automatic Carcass Shoulder Blade Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual or semi-automated processes for removing shoulder blades from carcasses are physically demanding and costly, with existing solutions not providing a fully automated and efficient method for varying carcass sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a holding means connected to a transport means with an elongated separation section positioned at an angle to apply an increasing pulling force, allowing for automatic loosening or removal of shoulder blades, which can be further processed manually or automatically, and includes features like pre-cutting and counter-pressure guides to handle different sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual or semi-automated processes are used for removing shoulder blades, then flexibility in handling varying carcass sizes and shapes is maintained, but labor costs increase and worker strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable parameters including the angle of the elongated separation section relative to the transport direction, the position of counter-pressure guides, and the force application points. These parameters can be modified to accommodate different carcass sizes and shapes while maintaining automated operation, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic force application through the elongated separation section that applies increasing pulling force as the shoulder blade is loosened. The counter-pressure guides dynamically adjust to maintain optimal contact during the separation process, enabling automated handling of varying carcass geometries without manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If manual removal of shoulder blades is performed, then processing flexibility is maintained, but physical strain on operators increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the shoulder blade removal operation autonomously through automated force application and separation mechanisms. The elongated separation section automatically applies pulling force while counter-pressure guides provide support, eliminating the need for manual labor and associated physical strain while maintaining processing flexibility through adjustable parameters
3Productivity
If automated separation mechanisms are implemented, then productivity increases and labor costs decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into functional segments: the transport means for carrying the shoulder, the elongated separation section for applying pulling force, and the counter-pressure guides for providing support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system design and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated separation section acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates motor-driven motion into the required pulling force on the shoulder blade. The counter-pressure guides serve as intermediaries to distribute and stabilize the forces during separation, reducing the complexity of direct force application while maintaining high productivity
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 enables fully automatic or semi-automatic removal of shoulder blades with reduced operator strain, increased processing yield, and adaptability to various carcass sizes and shapes, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated separation section being positioned at an angle relative to the transport direction of the shoulder such that an increasing pulling force is obtained onto the shoulder blade until the shoulder blade is either loosened or separated from the shoulder
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention is a system and a method for automatically loosening or removing shoulder blades from shoulders of animal carcasses. A holding means operably connected to transport means, is provided for securing a shoulder selected from the shoulders at the leg portion and transporting the shoulder in a transport direction, and a separator means is provided including an elongated separation section arranged to abut the shoulder blade as the shoulder blade is transported past the elongated separation section, the elongated separation section being positioned at an angle relative to the transport direction of the shoulder such that an increasing pulling force is obtained onto the shoulder blade until the shoulder blade is either loosened or separated from the shoulder.