Bag Retaining Linkage for Rotating Meat Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing and food processing, containers with inner bags often experience issues where the bag falls out along with the components when the container is rotated for dumping, leading to cleanliness and operational problems.
Innovation Solution
A system with a hopper, chute, and rotation mechanism that includes a retaining mechanism with a linkage and hook, using compressed air to pivot the linkage and engage the bag with the container, preventing it from falling during dumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container is rotated to a dumping position, then the contents are discharged efficiently, but the inner bag falls out along with the contents
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining mechanism acts as an intermediary between the container and the inner bag. This mechanism includes a holding structure that engages with the container during rotation and selectively releases the bag at the dumping position, preventing the bag from falling out with the contents while allowing controlled discharge
2Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is added to prevent bag loss, then bag retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the container when it is placed in the hopper and automatically release at the appropriate position during rotation. The mechanism uses the container's own movement and positioning to trigger the retention and release actions, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining function is extracted as a separate, modular mechanism that can be independently designed and implemented. This modular approach allows the retention system to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire hopper structure, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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
Effectively retains the bag within the container during dumping, ensuring cleanliness and preventing operational disruptions by maintaining the bag's position as contents are released due to gravity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm
Implementation Method 2
when compressed air is received through the first input the shaft is urged to translate along a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
a second position wherein contents from within the container fall out of the container due to the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A system to retain a bag within a container when rotated by a chute is provided. The system includes a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate. The input is connected to a first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm. The hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm.