Convex Picking Row Sealing for Poultry Defeathering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing poultry defeathering apparatuses face challenges in maintaining effective sealing between picking rows without generating noise, which leads to maintenance issues and reduced yield due to feather escape and damage risks.

Innovation Solution

The use of convex interconnecting side surfaces on picking rows allows for closer positioning and rolling contact, combined with non-metallic materials to reduce noise and facilitate easy maintenance, while maintaining efficient feather retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If sheet members are used to close the space between picking rows, then feather retention is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to scratching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeather escapeVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the sheet members entirely from the structure. Instead of using separate sealing components that need maintenance, the picking rows themselves provide the sealing function through their convex interconnecting side surfaces that directly contact each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnecting side surfaces of the picking rows serve dual functions: structural support for the picking row and sealing to prevent feather escape. This eliminates the need for separate sheet members and reduces maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of substance

If picking rows are positioned closely to each other, then sealing efficiency is improved, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeather escapeVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnecting side surfaces are designed with convex curvature instead of flat surfaces. This curved geometry allows the picking rows to roll against each other during operation, reducing friction and noise while maintaining close positioning for effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Loss of substance

If picking rows are positioned closely to each other, then feather retention is improved, but damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeather escapeVSAvoidcarcass damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The convex curved surfaces allow the picking rows to roll against each other rather than slide, reducing friction and the risk of carcass damage while maintaining close positioning for effective feather retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The picking rows are designed to be repositionable during operation. The convex surfaces enable smooth rolling contact that allows dynamic adjustment of the picking rows while maintaining sealing, preventing carcass damage from rigid fixed positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-generated harmful factors

If non-metallic materials are used for interconnecting surfaces, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the interconnecting surfaces from flat to convex curved. This geometric modification alone reduces noise through rolling contact while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for metallic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances sealing efficiency, reduces maintenance needs, and prevents feather escape, while minimizing noise and damage risks during the defeathering process.

Implementation Method 1

the convex surface simply rolling on the opposite surface, if/when they come into direct contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2723180B1A picking row for a poultry defeathering apparatus and such an apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.02.15 LINCO FOOD SYST AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a poultry defeathering apparatus and to a picking row for use in such an apparatus. The picking row comprises an elongate support part with a front side surface, a back side surface, a two interconnecting side surfaces interconnecting the front and back side surfaces. Said side surfaces extends in parallel to a length axis of the support part and a plurality of picking heads are arranged on the front side surface. At least one of the interconnecting side surfaces is convex, preferably being curved with a radius of curvature corresponding to half the height of the support part. In the apparatus, two or more picking rows are arranged side-by-side with the picking heads facing in substantially the same direction such that interconnecting side surfaces of neighbouring picking rows face each other. In such a pair of interconnecting surfaces, at least one of them is convex.