Chicken Mid-Wing Splitter Using Segmented Carrier Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual separation of radius and ulna portions of poultry mid-wings is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to accidental cutting or nicking, leading to undesirable bone shards, making it inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a support frame, mid-wing carrier blocks driven by a motorized chain, and a splitting module with triangular blade members that pierce and sever the connective tissue between the radius and ulna bones, allowing for automated separation of the mid-wing sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cutting is used to separate radius and ulna portions, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is low and manufacturing precision is poor leading to bone shards
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the mid-wing into two separate portions (radius and ulna) using individual blade members positioned at specific locations. The carrier block segments the wing during conveyance, allowing precise controlled separation rather than manual cutting, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular blade design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cutting system with an automated mechanical separation system. The motor-driven carrier block automatically conveys the mid-wing through the apparatus, and the blade members automatically perform the separation action, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining mechanical simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting is used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision is poor causing accidental cutting of bones
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary positioning of the mid-wing on the carrier block before the cutting action occurs. The wing is securely held in place during conveyance, ensuring proper alignment with the blade members. This preliminary positioning action prevents accidental cutting of bones by ensuring the blade follows the predetermined separation path between the radius and ulna
Solution Approach 2:
The blade members act as intermediaries between the carrier block and the mid-wing. Rather than direct contact between the carrier block and the wing throughout the process, the blade members mediate the separation action, providing controlled precision cutting while the carrier block provides stable support, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision without excessive device complexity
3Productivity
If automated separation is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier block serves multiple functions: it conveys the mid-wing through the apparatus, positions the wing for separation, and provides support during the cutting action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation, thereby increasing productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity through component consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient in its separation operation. The motor-driven carrier block automatically conveys each mid-wing through the blade members without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The system performs its own positioning and separation functions, achieving high productivity with relatively simple automated machinery
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for splitting poultry mid-wings into separate radius and ulna portions. The apparatus includes a plurality of carrier blocks mounted to a drive chain that drives the carrier blocks along a path in a continuous loop around the apparatus. Each carrier block has recesses formed in it that cooperate with recesses formed in adjacent carrier blocks to form carrier slots that hold mid-wings in a predetermined orientation. A blade member having an upper blade and a lower blade extends into the path and is aligned with blade channels formed in the carrier blocks. The blade member bisects mid-wings that are held in the carrier slots as they move downstream. The carrier blocks rotate downwardly about the downstream end of the path and are separated from one another, thereby opening the carrier slots. The separated mid-wings contained in the slots are thereby allowed to fall out of the slots.