Carcass Stabilization Belt for Conveyor Imaging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the meat processing industry, carcasses moving on conveyor belts are difficult to stabilize, leading to inaccurate imaging and cutting due to swinging, which requires additional handling and equipment, and often necessitates removing the carcass from the conveyor for processing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conveyor with a belt positioned below to stabilize the carcass by forcing it against the belt with gravity, allowing for accurate imaging and cutting while the carcass is conveyed, using a combination of imaging devices and cutting tools synchronized with the belt's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the carcass is removed from the conveyor for processing, then the carcass can be stabilized for imaging and cutting, but additional handling and equipment are required which reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A support belt is introduced as an intermediary element between the conveyor and the carcass. The belt provides stable support for the carcass during imaging and cutting operations while the carcass remains on the moving conveyor system, eliminating the need to remove and reposition the carcass.
Solution Approach 2:
The support belt is positioned and configured to automatically stabilize the carcass as it moves along the conveyor. The system uses the carcass's own weight and the belt's positioning to achieve stabilization without requiring external handling equipment or manual intervention.
2Productivity
If the carcass remains on the conveyor during processing, then processing efficiency is maintained, but the carcass swings and moves creating inaccurate imaging and cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt acts as a mediator that allows the carcass to remain on the conveyor while providing the stability needed for accurate imaging. The belt contacts the carcass in a way that prevents swinging and movement without requiring the carcass to be removed from the conveyor stream.
3Measurement precision
If the carcass is stabilized using additional equipment like trolleys or robotic arms, then accurate imaging and cutting can be performed, but the system complexity and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt is integrated into the existing conveyor system, merging the stabilization function with the transport function. This eliminates the need for separate trolleys, robotic arms, or other complex handling equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining imaging accuracy.
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
Enables efficient and accurate imaging and cutting of carcasses on a conveyor without the need for additional handling, stabilizing the carcass and ensuring precise alignment and positioning for processing.
Implementation Method 1
a belt moving in the direction of the conveyor which is positioned with respect to the conveyor such that the force of gravity on the carcass forces it against the belt
Data Source
AI summary
A carcass cutting system including a belt positioned below a conveyor such as to stabilise a carcass during imaging and/or cutting operations. An offset section of conveyor track in the region of the belt may be utilized to urge the carcass against the belt. Imagining may use an optical imaging system, an X-ray imaging system, a laser scanning camera, a time of flight camera or a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Imaging information may be used to calculate cutting paths and/or weight distribution of carcass portions. Cutting may be performed by a robotic cutter using a circular saw or a circular knife.