Automated Bile Collection System with Vacuum Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for extracting bile from poultry are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and pose risks of injury and contamination.

Innovation Solution

An automated bile collection system comprising collection tanks, a separating structure, and a conveying mechanism, which transfers material through a series of stages for efficient separation and collection of bile, minimizing manual intervention and risk of contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual procedures are used to extract bile by piercing gallbladders, then the extraction process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive and susceptible to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidextraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical piercing operations with an automated mechanical system that uses a piercing device to automatically puncture gallbladders and a pumping system to extract bile. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual procedures while maintaining equipment simplicity through standardized mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service extraction where the automated apparatus performs the entire bile extraction process without human intervention. The mechanical system automatically identifies, pierces, and extracts bile from gallbladders, reducing susceptibility to human error and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of gallbladders is performed, then direct control over the extraction process is achieved, but the risk of injury to workers and contamination of bile increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over extraction processVSAvoidrisk of injury and contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system between the operator and the gallbladder. The automated apparatus with piercing devices and pumping mechanisms serves as a mediator that performs the extraction process, eliminating direct human contact with potentially harmful biological materials while maintaining operational control through automated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual manipulation is replaced with automated mechanical operations. The system uses controlled mechanical piercing and automated pumping to extract bile, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle gallbladders, thereby reducing injury risk and contamination while preserving process control through automated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated systems are implemented for bile extraction, then labor costs are reduced and productivity increases, but the device complexity and initial investment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: a piercing device section, a bile extraction pumping section, and a collection system. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, maintenance, and operation while achieving high productivity through coordinated automated operations across multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 automated system enhances efficiency, reduces labor costs, and minimizes the risk of contamination and injury, providing a safer and more productive method for bile collection.

Implementation Method 1

The pump is arranged to extract air from a first collection tank of the one or more collection tanks so as to draw material into the collection tanks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the separating structure being arranged to separate liquid bile from solid material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4555866A1Bile collection system and method
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ICE SPA
  • EP4555866A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4555866A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4555866A1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

There is described a bile collection system comprising one or more collection tanks arranged to receive material from an inlet of the bile collection system, the collection tanks being arranged to transfer the material to a separating structure of the bile collection system, the separating structure being arranged to separate liquid bile from solid material; a conveying mechanism for transferring the solid material away from the separating structure; and a container for receiving the bile.