Choke Loop Attachment for Hanging Straps on Tubular Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a suspension loop to a tubular casing, such as those used for sausages, fail to securely fasten the loop when the casing is soaked in water or subjected to treatments like cooking or smoking, as the water absorption increases the braid volume and reduces the clip's closing force, leading to potential detachment of the loop.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a choke loop that automatically adjusts frictional connection based on the weight of the package, using a stationary two-pronged holding fork, a movable clamping fork, and a curved sling finger to form a choke noose around the tubular casing, ensuring secure attachment without interruption during the filling and sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a clip is used to attach the suspension loop to the tubular casing, then the attachment is simple and quick, but the closing force is reduced when the casing absorbs water during soaking
Solution Approach 1:
The friction knot automatically adjusts its frictional connection based on the weight of the package, requiring no external adjustment mechanism. The knot self-regulates the holding force through its inherent friction properties, eliminating the need for complex adjustment devices while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional connection parameter automatically changes with the weight of the package. Heavier packages increase the frictional connection through the choke loop mechanism, while lighter packages use less friction. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains optimal attachment security across different package weights without requiring multiple attachment configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the tubular casing is soaked in water before filling, then the casing becomes more flexible and easier to fill, but the braid volume increases and reduces the clip's closing force
Solution Approach 1:
The friction knot system self-compensates for the reduced closing force by automatically increasing frictional connection. The choke loop mechanism detects the package weight and adjusts the frictional engagement accordingly, eliminating the need for manual compensation or force adjustment during the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static clip connection to a dynamic friction-based connection that adapts to changing conditions. The frictional connection dynamically adjusts based on package weight and casing expansion, maintaining secure attachment throughout the filling and cooking processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a friction knot is used to attach the suspension loop, then the attachment adapts to package weight, but the knot may come loose during cooking and smoking treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The choke loop is pre-formed and positioned around the tubular casing before the friction knot is tightened. This preliminary positioning ensures that the knot has optimal engagement from the start, and the choke loop structure is already in place to prevent loosening during subsequent cooking and smoking treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The choke loop acts as an intermediary structure between the friction knot and the tubular casing. It provides a stable anchor point that transfers the frictional forces from the knot to the casing, preventing the knot from coming loose during thermal treatments while maintaining the adaptive frictional connection.
4Device complexity
If the suspension loop is attached behind the clip, then the attachment is compact, but the frictional connection is reduced during drying treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure transitions from a two-dimensional clip connection to a three-dimensional friction-based choke loop system. The friction knot engages the casing in multiple dimensions through the choke loop, increasing the frictional connection area and preventing loosening during drying treatments while maintaining compact overall structure.
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 provides a secure and adaptive attachment method that maintains the suspension loop's connection even under varying conditions, preventing the tubular casing from being pulled out of the clip, ensuring the package remains closed and stable during treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional connection between the choke loop and the braid, which determines the security of the attachment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A hanging loop for a portion pack consisting of a tubular casing, which is closed at its ends by clips, particularly for a sausage, is attached to the braided end of the tubular casing by means of a loop formed by the hanging loop. The hanging loop (16), which is held ready in a rectangular shape, is pulled around the braid and through the loop using a pivoting looping finger (9). The device suitable for this purpose also has a holding fork (5) and a movable clamping fork (7), both of which are two-pronged. The device can be pivoted into the closing device when the tubular casing is clipped closed.