Antimicrobial Flexible Sheet for Carcass Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the commercial processing of animal carcasses, exposed meat surfaces are vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms and non-microorganism contaminants, particularly during the hide removal stage, where the proximity of freshly exposed carcass meat surfaces to the hide and potential contact with workers, rails, or other carcasses pose significant risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible sheet with antimicrobial agents on both major surfaces, which acts as a physical barrier to prevent contamination by contacting the exposed carcass meat surfaces and providing 'safe landing' zones for workers and equipment, thereby reducing the risk of microbial and particulate transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the hide is removed from the carcass using conventional methods, then the hide can be detached and removed, but the exposed meat surfaces become vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms and non-microorganism contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sheet is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the hide removal process and the exposed meat surfaces. The sheet is positioned to cover the exposed meat areas, preventing direct contact with contaminants while allowing the hide removal operation to proceed. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the manufacturing process without transferring harmful factors to the meat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sheet that can be conformally applied to the carcass surface, covering exposed meat areas during hide removal. The flexible nature of the sheet allows it to adapt to the contours of the carcass while providing continuous protection against contamination. This thin film barrier enables the hide removal process to occur without exposing meat surfaces to harmful contaminants.
2Ease of operation
If workers contact the carcass directly during processing, then processing operations can be performed, but contamination risk increases from worker contact with hide and carcass surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet serves as a mediator between workers and the carcass surfaces. Workers can contact the sheet rather than the exposed meat surfaces, reducing the risk of contamination transfer. The sheet allows workers to perform processing operations while maintaining a protective barrier that prevents direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hide is pulled from the carcass using force, then hide removal is achieved, but the likelihood of damaging the hide increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet acts as a mediator that absorbs some of the mechanical stress during hide removal. By positioning the sheet between the pulling mechanism and the hide, it cushions and distributes forces, reducing the likelihood of damaging the hide while still enabling efficient removal. The sheet allows force application without direct transmission to the hide structure.
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 flexible sheet effectively reduces contamination risks by acting as a physical barrier and antimicrobial treatment, enhancing sanitation and allowing for faster processing in large-scale production facilities by ensuring cleaner contact points and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible sheet having first and second major surfaces comprising an antimicrobial agent on the first major surface of the flexible sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Intervention of contamination of an exposed carcass meat surface during processing of an animal carcass comprises providing a flexible sheet having first and second major surfaces comprising an antimicrobial agent on the first major surface of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is food-contact safe; detaching a portion of hide from the carcass, thereby providing an exposed carcass meat surface; and placing the flexible sheet on the exposed carcass meat surface so that the antimicrobial agent contacts the exposed carcass meat surface. The flexible sheet is also described.