Casing Breakage Detection via Fluid Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stuffing apparatuses face challenges in detecting casing breakage during sausage or fish feed manufacturing, leading to material wastage and reduced production efficiency due to the difficulty in securing sensors near the discharge port and the risk of sensor contamination, which increases production costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A stuffing apparatus with a movement stop detecting means, such as a flow sensor or pressure sensor, is used to indirectly detect casing breakage by monitoring the stoppage of the casing pushing device, allowing for timely shutdown of the stuffing pump and minimizing material discharge, without the need for specialized mounting and reducing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor is provided near the discharge port to directly detect casing breakage, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor is prone to contamination by material and difficult to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection method by monitoring the casing pushing device's movement status instead of directly detecting near the discharge port. The flow sensor or pressure sensor detects fluid state changes in the cylinder, which indirectly indicate casing breakage, thereby avoiding direct exposure to material while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical sensor (electromagnetic detection) with a flow sensor or pressure sensor (fluid mechanical detection) to monitor the casing pushing device's movement. This substitution detects casing breakage through fluid dynamics changes in the cylinder rather than direct optical detection near the discharge port, eliminating contamination risks
2Extent of automation
If the stuffing pump continues operating during automatic operation after casing breakage, then automation is maintained, but material wastage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow sensor or pressure sensor continuously monitors the fluid state in the cylinder. When casing breakage occurs, the detected change in fluid flow or pressure is fed back to the control system, which automatically stops the stuffing pump, preventing further material wastage while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of casing breakage through the flow sensor or pressure sensor before significant material wastage occurs. By detecting the abnormal fluid state early in the process, the system can take preventive action to stop the stuffing pump, avoiding the need for manual intervention and reducing material loss
3Device complexity
If a flow sensor or pressure sensor is used to monitor the cylinder fluid state, then device complexity is reduced and mounting is simplified, but indirect detection may reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the fluid in the cylinder as an intermediary medium that transmits information about casing breakage to the sensor. The flow sensor or pressure sensor measures fluid dynamics changes caused by casing breakage, providing accurate indirect detection while keeping the sensor positioned away from the discharge port, thus simplifying mounting and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple fluid mechanical sensors (flow sensor or pressure sensor) to detect casing breakage through changes in fluid state within the cylinder. This mechanical substitution approach replaces complex optical detection systems with simpler, more reliable sensors that are easier to mount and maintain, while still achieving accurate breakage detection through the intermediary fluid medium
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 enhances production efficiency by minimizing material wastage, reducing downtime, and lowering production costs by allowing for flexible sensor placement and preventing sensor contamination, thus effectively addressing the challenges of casing breakage detection.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of air that is supplied to the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of air that is supplied to the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A stuffing apparatus includes: a stuffing nozzle for discharging a stuffing material from a discharge port into a casing; a stuffing pump for feeding the stuffing material into the stuffing nozzle; a casing pushing device which has a casing pusher and a fluid cylinder having a cylinder, a piston, and a rod, and which is adapted to push in a direction toward the discharge port of said stuffing nozzle a trailing end portion of a casing which is yet to be stuffed and is in a shirred state; and a movement stop detecting device (casing breakage detecting device) for detecting stoppage of the casing pushing device in the course of its movement.