Assembly and method for processing fish

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing fish processing systems face challenges due to random fluctuations in fish size and weight, leading to inefficient processing as machines are not optimally adjusted for varying fish dimensions, requiring separate processing lines or presetting machines, which limits optimal processing to fish within a specific size or weight range.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a fish slaughtering device with a counting device, a spiral conveyor tank, and a control unit that calculates fish quantity-related prediction variables, including average fish weight and size distribution, to estimate fish loading status and adjust processing machines accordingly, ensuring optimal processing and efficient fluid flow around the fish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fish are processed without size classification, then processing speed increases, but processing quality deteriorates because machines cannot be optimally adjusted for varying fish sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of fish dimensions and weight before processing, using sensors to capture fish parameters. This advance information allows the control system to pre-adjust machine settings for each fish, ensuring optimal processing quality without requiring manual sorting or classification, thus maintaining high processing speed while improving manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing machines are equipped with dynamically adjustable parameters that can be modified in real-time based on measured fish characteristics. The control system continuously adapts machine settings (such as cutting depth, conveyor speed, or processing force) according to the specific size and weight of each fish, enabling optimal processing quality across varying fish dimensions without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If fish processing machines are preset to a specific size, then processing quality improves for that size range, but adaptability deteriorates for fish outside the range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidsize range handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces fixed preset settings with dynamically adjustable parameters that can be modified in real-time based on measured fish characteristics. Sensors detect fish dimensions and weight, and the control system automatically adjusts machine settings (such as cutting depth, conveyor speed, or processing force) for each fish, enabling optimal processing quality across varying fish dimensions without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously measure fish parameters during processing, and this information is fed back to the control system which automatically adjusts machine settings. This closed-loop control ensures that processing parameters are continuously optimized based on actual fish characteristics, maintaining high processing quality while handling a wide range of fish sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If fish are divided between different processing lines, then processing quality improves for each line, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidnumber of processing lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal processing machine that can handle fish of various sizes through programmable and dynamically adjustable parameters. Instead of requiring multiple specialized processing lines, a single machine equipped with sensors and adaptive control can process different fish sizes by automatically adjusting its parameters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining processing quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves the functionality of multiple processing lines by changing operational parameters (such as speed, force, temperature, or positioning) rather than requiring physically separate lines for different fish sizes. The control system modifies these parameters based on measured fish characteristics, allowing one machine to perform the work of multiple specialized machines, thus reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for precise estimation of fish quantities and weights without individual measurement, optimizing fish processing by adjusting machines based on predicted variables, ensuring consistent processing and efficient cooling, and preventing fluid overflow or underflow.

Implementation Method 1

a spiral conveyor screw (19) extending from a first end (17) to a second end (18) in the receiving container (16), which forms a plurality of fish receiving chambers (22) with the inner wall (21) of the receiving container (16), wherein the spiral conveyor screw (19) is set up to be driven in rotation by means of a first drive unit (20) in order to convey fish present in the fish receiving chambers (22) through the liquid in the direction of the second end (18) of the receiving container (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArchimedes screw: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3376141B1Assembly and method for processing fish
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 NORDISCHER MASCHINENBAU RUD BAADER GMBH CO KG
  • EP3376141B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement for processing fish, comprising a fish slaughtering device 10 with a fish counting device 12, a first conveyor device 13 set up for transferring the stunned fish to a spiral tank device 14, the at least one for detecting a first mass throughput of the stunned fish trained first measuring device and the spiral tank device, which comprises a receiving container designed to receive a liquid, in which a spiral conveyor screw is arranged in a rotatably mounted manner, which forms a plurality of fish receiving chambers with the receiving container in order to remove fish present in the fish receiving chambers by the to convey liquid, a second conveying device 23 arranged at the second end of the receiving container, which is set up to transfer the fish to at least one fish processing machine downstream of the spiral tank device, and a control device with an evaluation unit that is set up to determine a fish quantity-related prediction variable on the basis of the recorded number of fish and the recorded first mass throughput for at least one of the fish receiving chambers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for processing fish.