Coverage Device for Sausage Clipping Machine Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clipping machines for producing sausage-shaped products have a gap between the filling tube and casing brake assembly, which can lead to operator injury or machine damage during refilling, and incorrect positioning of the filling tube is not guaranteed, especially when the filling tube is pivotable about its rear end.
Innovation Solution
A coverage device is integrated into the clipping machine to cover the gap between the filling tube and casing brake assembly, comprising multiple covering elements that prevent unintentional engagement and damage, with reversible movement of the casing brake assembly to ensure secure operation and correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filling tube is made pivotable for refilling, then refilling operation is facilitated, but the risk of operator injury and machine damage increases due to the gap between filling tube and casing brake assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A coverage device is introduced as an intermediary element between the filling tube and the casing brake assembly. This coverage device includes a coverage element that extends into the gap to prevent fingers or tools from entering the hazardous zone, while still allowing the filling tube to pivot for refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coverage device is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The coverage element is segmented to allow partial visibility and access while maintaining safety, and can be removed or adjusted when refilling is required.
2Ease of operation
If the casing brake assembly is made axially shiftable for refilling, then refilling is enabled, but positioning precision and safety are compromised due to the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage device serves as a mediator that guides the filling tube into the correct position during refilling. The coverage element provides physical guidance and feedback to the operator, ensuring that the filling tube is correctly positioned relative to the casing brake assembly after refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coverage device is pre-positioned in a fixed location relative to the casing brake assembly. Before refilling occurs, the coverage element is already in place to define the safe zone and guide the subsequent positioning of the filling tube, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning after the refilling operation.
3Ease of operation
If a gap is maintained between filling tube and casing brake assembly, then refilling access is provided, but safety hazards and damage risks are created
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage device acts as an intermediary safety barrier that maintains the necessary gap for refilling access while preventing direct contact with hazardous moving parts. The coverage element is designed to allow operator access for refilling while physically blocking access to the dangerous gap zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The coverage device is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be temporarily moved or adjusted during refilling operations, then returned to its protective position. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between safety mode (coverage in place) and operation mode (coverage adjusted for access).
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filing a flowable filling material into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and closing said packaging casing by at least one closure means, like a closure clip. The clipping machine comprises a filling tube (110) having a first end (112), a second end (114) and a central axis (A), for feeding the filling material in a feeding direction (F) into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing stored on the filling tube (110), the first end (112) of the filing tube (110) is directed in the feeding direction (F) and the second end (114) can pivotally be coupled to a filler device. The clipping machine further comprises a casing brake assembly (200) including brake means (220) accommodated in a housing (210), for applying tension to the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing when being filled, gathering means (310) for gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, and a clipping device (300) having a clipping tool assembly (320) for applying and closing at least one closure means to the plait-like portion. The clipping machine according to the present invention further comprises a coverage device (250) for covering a gap between the first end (112) of the filling tube (110) and the casing brake assembly (200).