Circular Knife Tool for Tenderloin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for removing meat pieces, such as tenderloins, from half-carcasses are inadequate for automatic processing due to insufficient strength and flexibility, leading to high stress on abattoir workers and inefficiencies in meat removal.
Innovation Solution
A meat piece removing tool with a circular knife blade, strengthened blade housing, and movable knife blade protector, capable of being used manually or automatically by a robot, which includes a motor-driven knife blade and a vision system for precise cutting and protection of the meat piece during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-held butcher knife or circular knife is used for removing tenderloins, then the tool is easy to operate manually, but it requires high physical stress on workers and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of hand-held knives with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm manipulates a power-operated circular knife blade that is driven by an electric motor, substituting human physical effort and manual dexterity with automated mechanical control. This allows the same cutting function to be performed without worker stress and with higher productivity.
2Productivity
If a power-operated rotary knife is used, then automation is possible, but the tool is not strong enough for automatic removal of meat pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction for the blade housing assembly, combining a rigid outer housing with internal reinforcement structures. The housing is designed to withstand the forces generated during automated cutting operations, providing the necessary strength and stability for robotic operation while maintaining the functionality of the circular knife blade.
3Reliability
If a cover encircles the upper part of the knife, then the knife is protected, but larger meat pieces cannot be cut away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic blade guard system that can move between different positions. The guard is not fixed but can be adjusted or repositioned to accommodate different meat piece sizes while still providing protection for the knife blade when not in use. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same tool to handle both small and large meat pieces effectively.
4Manufacturing precision
If an inwardly projecting knife blade is used, then slicing precision is achieved, but entire meat pieces cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the circular knife blade with a versatile geometry that can perform multiple functions. The blade is configured to既可以实现精确 slicing through its sharp edge and controlled depth,又可以 remove entire meat pieces through its circular path and sufficient projection length. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different tools for different cutting tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for manual or especially automatic removal of tenderloins from half-carcasses of slaughtered animals. The tool comprises a circular knife blade, a blade housing supporting the knife blade, and a movable knife blade protector. The tool is connected to a motor capable of driving the knife blade. A tenderloin is partly cut free with the knife, the knife blade protector is activated to protect the knife blade and the tool is used to pull the tenderloin free from the half-carcass without damaging the tenderloin with the knife. The tool can be arranged on a robot and can be used for automatic removal of tenderloins from half-carcasses at slaughterhouses.