CT Scanner Interlock Chamber for Meat Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT scanners are expensive and complex, making them unreliable for high-throughput industrial meat processing environments, and there is a need for efficient utilization and cost-effective imaging solutions to optimize meat production.
Innovation Solution
A meat processing apparatus utilizing a CT scanner with a robotic gripper system and carrier design for efficient loading and unloading of anatomical parts, along with a pre-scan inspection station for power modulation, to ensure accurate and reliable scanning while minimizing equipment wear and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scanners are used for meat processing, then measurement precision and data accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses portable, lower-cost CT scanners that can be moved between different processing locations rather than installing fixed complex systems. The scanners are used for specific measurement tasks and then relocated, reducing the need for permanent complex infrastructure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical handling systems with automated conveyor belts and robotic positioning systems that integrate with the CT scanner. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving measurement consistency and throughput.
2Productivity
If CT scanning is implemented for high-throughput processing, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to equipment wear and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning intervals and duty cycles where the CT scanner operates at high intensity for measurement periods, then rests to cool down and reduce wear. This periodic operation maintains productivity by keeping the scanner in use while preventing overheating and extending equipment life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple CT scanners in sequence or parallel to maintain continuous scanning capability. While one scanner is cooling or undergoing maintenance, another continues processing, ensuring uninterrupted productivity while managing individual scanner reliability through reduced continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanners are used, then measurement capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial scanning strategies where only specific regions of interest within the meat products are scanned at high resolution, rather than scanning entire carcasses uniformly. This selective approach maintains measurement precision for critical areas while reducing overall energy consumption by limiting the scanning volume and duration.
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 system achieves safe, continuous, and efficient CT scanning of meat products, optimizing scanner utilization and reliability, and providing detailed data for improved meat production planning and quality control, while reducing labor and environmental risks.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source for emitting X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the emitted X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3(b)
Figure 4
AI summary
A meat processing apparatus has an automated analysis stage for analysing meat parts with penetrating radiation. Data is generated for sue in both feedforward and feedback information, and may be used for robotic control of trimming and boning operations. There is a radiation-shielded chamber (300), within which there is a tomography scanner (230) with a scanner controller, arranged to perform analysis of meat parts. A port (210) is used for entry and exit of meat parts placed in carriers (150) into and out of the chamber for analysis by the scanner, and a handling system (245, 250) performs automated movement of the carriers between the port (210) and the scanner (230). The port has an interlock chamber (210), having an inner door (214) and an outer door (213) and a controller to ensure that while the scanner is operating only one door can open. The interlock chamber has an upper conveyor level (211) and a lower conveyor level (212), one for inlet and one for outlet of carriers before and after analysis.