Integrated Cutting Jaws for Food Portioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated packaging systems for soft food products, such as fish and chicken, often require separate cutting stations to downsize or remove non-desirable parts, adding complexity and cost to the process.
Innovation Solution
A portioning device with integrated cutting capabilities, allowing for the downsizing of food products during the packaging process by incorporating a cutting device with articulately arranged jaws and a belt or table, enabling the removal of non-desirable parts like fat, veins, or bones while maintaining efficient packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cutting stations are used to downsize food products or remove non-desirable parts, then the packaging process can handle products of varying sizes and remove unwanted parts, but the device complexity and process cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is integrated into the gripping device, merging two separate functions (gripping and cutting) into a single unit. The cutting device includes a cutting element that can be positioned to cut food products while the gripping device holds them, eliminating the need for separate cutting stations and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can grip food products for positioning and also facilitate cutting operations through the integrated cutting device. This multi-functional design allows the same device to handle both gripping and cutting tasks, reducing the number of separate devices needed in the packaging system
2Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting stations are used to downsize food products, then the target weight can be achieved, but the productivity decreases due to additional process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting and gripping operations are combined into a single integrated device, allowing both functions to be performed in one station rather than requiring sequential operations at separate stations. This integration eliminates transfer time and additional process steps, maintaining packaging speed while achieving target weights
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device is positioned and ready to cut food products during the gripping operation itself, rather than requiring a separate subsequent cutting step. This preliminary integration of the cutting function into the gripping phase allows for efficient weight adjustment without compromising packaging productivity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portioning device for packaging of food products (3) in a portion carrier, comprising positioning device and gripping device (1), which gripping device comprises first and second articulating jaws (12a, 12b) having first and second ends that together with a belt or table (5) for a food product (3) define an opening between said jaws (12a, 12b) arranged to grip the food product laying on the belt or table (5), wherein said first and second jaws (12a, 12b) are articulately arranged in order to be movable between at least two relative positions, one holding position and one open position, wherein the portioning device also comprises a cutting device (2) arranged at said first and/or second ends of said first and second articulating jaws (12a, 12b), and wherein said cutting device (2) is arranged to use the belt/table (5) as support for cutting. The invention also relates to a method for packaging of food products by use of the portioning device.