Dual-Follower Carcass Splitting Tool for Precise Robotic Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting devices for bovine carcasses lack guidance means on the dorsal and ventral sides, leading to inefficient and imperfect cuts due to variability in morphology and size, requiring manual intervention and limiting automation.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool mounted on a robot with integrated inner and outer follower mechanisms to guide the carcass during cutting, ensuring precise longitudinal cuts by adapting to the animal's morphology, using rollers and actuating means for both sides, and optionally incorporating laser or optical systems for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional cutting devices without guidance means are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to carcass movement and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is segmented into separate follower mechanisms for the dorsal side and ventral side of the carcass. Each follower mechanism independently tracks the respective side, allowing the cutting device to adapt to carcass variability without requiring a single complex unified guidance structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower mechanisms are designed with adjustable parameters that can adapt to different carcass morphologies and sizes. This allows the guidance system to maintain cutting precision across various animal types without requiring complete redesign, balancing precision with manageable complexity.
2Extent of automation
If semiautomatic processing is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the extent of automation deteriorates due to large labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm serves multiple functions: positioning the cutting device, controlling the cutting motion, and coordinating with the follower mechanisms. This multi-functionality increases automation while managing overall system complexity by using a single robotic system for multiple tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower mechanisms automatically track and follow the dorsal and ventral sides of the carcass during cutting, eliminating the need for manual guidance operations. This self-guiding capability significantly increases automation level while keeping the control system relatively simple.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting devices without adapted guidance means are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inefficient guidance and carcass deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical follower mechanisms replace manual guidance operations with automatic tracking systems. The followers passively follow the carcass contours through mechanical contact, providing precise guidance without requiring complex active control systems or complicated operational procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a tool for cutting in half a carcass of a slaughtered animal, preferably of a bovine animal, in a fully automated manner. The cutting tool of the present invention incorporates in the cutting tool itself two different guiding mechanisms: an inner follower mechanism of the carcase capable of following the inner side of the carcase during the cutting process, and an outer follower mechanism of the carcase capable of following the outer side of the carcase during the cutting process, which substantially improve the accuracy of the cutting process and eliminate any type of manual action when cutting or guiding the part. It also relates, according to a second aspect, to a robot comprising said cutting tool.