Carcass Intervention Tracking via Electronic Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carcass tracking systems in meat processing facilities lack the ability to continuously collect and analyze data on carcass interventions, making it difficult to identify the source of suboptimal processing conditions that lead to failed inspections, as they rely on manual recording of data by date and time rather than real-time monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a carcass identification system, intervention interface, and control system to record and associate data with each carcass, using electronic identification tags and sensors to collect and compare processing data against predetermined parameters, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of interventions and inspections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual recording of intervention data by date and time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and ability to track specific carcass interventions are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection system complexityVSAvoidintervention data tracking precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical recording systems with electronic sensors and automated data collection systems. Sensors continuously monitor intervention parameters (temperature, time, pressure) and automatically record them with precise timestamps, eliminating manual recording while significantly improving measurement precision and traceability of carcass interventions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data collection and management system that acts as a mediator between intervention equipment and inspection systems. This intermediary system collects, stores, and correlates intervention data with carcass identification, enabling precise tracking and analysis of intervention effectiveness without requiring direct complex connections between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If continuous data collection for each carcass is implemented, then measurement precision and source identification capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarcass intervention data precisionVSAvoiddata collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data collection platform that serves multiple functions: it collects intervention data, tracks carcass movement, records inspection results, and provides analytical capabilities. This multi-functional system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data collection where sensors and monitoring devices automatically capture and record intervention parameters without requiring external intervention for each measurement. The system self-manages data storage, correlation with carcass IDs, and preliminary analysis, reducing operational complexity while maintaining continuous precise monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If real-time monitoring and analysis of interventions is implemented, then productivity and ability to make timely adjustments are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of intervention parameters throughout the carcass processing workflow. Sensors continuously measure temperature, time, and other critical parameters, ensuring that useful data collection action is maintained without interruption. This enables real-time detection of deviations and immediate corrective actions, improving productivity while managing energy use through efficient sensor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where collected intervention data is immediately analyzed and used to adjust processing parameters in real-time. When deviations from optimal parameters are detected, the system provides feedback to control systems to automatically correct the intervention, improving productivity through continuous optimization while using energy efficiently by only activating corrective actions when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8079897B2Carcass intervention tracking and methods
Publication Date: 2011.12.20 CARGILL INC
  • US8079897B2 patent drawing
  • US8079897B2 patent drawing
  • US8079897B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking carcass intervention data accumulated during carcass processing. An identification is assigned to the carcass. The carcass is subjected to at least one intervention, during which processing data is accumulated. The carcass identification and the processing data are then associated and compared to predetermined processing parameters.