Handheld Cervical Dislocator Leverage Shear Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for euthanizing culled poultry, such as blunt trauma with a bat-like device, cause trauma to the animals and psychological distress to the processor, while being inefficient and costly, as they require significant physical effort and may not ensure immediate death.

Innovation Solution

A handheld cervical dislocator with long arm levers and a shear plate that applies a simultaneous gripping, shearing, and twisting action to dislocate the neck vertebrae, minimizing discomfort and effort for the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If blunt trauma with a bat-like device is used to euthanize poultry, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it causes trauma to the animals and psychological distress to the processor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidanimal trauma and processor distress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the blunt mechanical trauma system with a cervical dislocation system that uses controlled mechanical leverage. The device substitutes the harmful bat-like impact mechanism with a specialized grip and lever system designed to dislocate cervical vertebrae, eliminating animal trauma while maintaining mechanical operation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the euthanasia mechanism from blunt force impact to controlled cervical dislocation. By altering the method of action from random trauma to precise vertebral separation, the device achieves humane euthanasia while preserving ease of manufacture through simple lever mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If blunt trauma method is used, then the device structure is simple, but it requires significant physical effort and may not ensure immediate death

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperator effort and effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic leverage through long lever arms that amplify operator input force. The device transitions from static blunt impact to dynamic mechanical advantage, where the lever system multiplies the operator's effort to generate sufficient dislocation force without requiring significant physical strength, ensuring immediate and effective euthanasia

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds the dimension of mechanical leverage to the euthanasia process. By incorporating long lever arms that extend the operator's input, the device transforms direct force application into amplified rotational force, reducing operator effort while maintaining structural simplicity and ensuring immediate effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a complex device with multiple parts is used to dislocate neck vertebrae, then immediate death can be ensured, but the possibility of dysfunctional operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate death assuranceVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the euthanasia function into three coordinated actions: gripping the neck, applying leverage through long arms, and shearing the cervical vertebrae. By dividing the mechanism into these functional segments (grip, lever, shear), the device achieves reliable immediate death while maintaining simplicity through modular, few-part construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple euthanasia actions (gripping, leveraging, shearing) into a single integrated device operation. By combining these functions into one unified mechanism rather than separate components, the device ensures reliable immediate death while minimizing the total number of parts and reducing dysfunctional operation risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device ensures immediate and humane termination of culled poultry with minimal operator strain, reducing feed costs and psychological impact, and can be economically manufactured with fewer parts to prevent functional issues.

Implementation Method 1

The device comprises a pair of long arm levers pivotally connected by a pivot pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

which upon closing creates gripping, shearing and twisting action, all simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear Stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

dislocate the neck vertebrae from the skull immediately using a shearing/twisting action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture Mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS8152605B1Handheld cervical dislocator

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 KOECHNER MARK

AI summary

A handheld cervical dislocator that will encircle the neck of poultry of most any size and dislocate the neck vertebrae from the skull immediately to terminate the life of culled poultry with minimum discomfort.