Dual-stack poultry cage extraction mechanism for slaughterhouse logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handling systems for live poultry in slaughterhouses are inefficient, as they can only extract one stack of drawer-like cages at a time, leading to prolonged unloading times and requiring the use of forklifts to remove transport units from lorries, which compromises overall facility speed and efficiency, and do not allow for direct unloading from lorries or effective washing of supporting frames.
Innovation Solution
A handling system featuring a motorized conveyor inlet station, a rigid receiving structure for maintaining poultry in semi-darkness, and a mechanized extraction device that can simultaneously extract two stacks of drawer-like cages from transport units on lorries, allowing direct unloading and simultaneous washing of supporting frames without forklifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current extraction devices extract only one stack of drawer-like cages at a time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of the slaughterhouse is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two extraction devices into a single integrated mechanism that can simultaneously extract two stacks of drawer-like cages. The extraction device includes two extraction elements that operate in parallel, allowing dual-stack extraction from transport units with two stacks of cages, thereby doubling the unloading efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple configurations: it can extract single-stack or dual-stack transport units, and can operate with one or two extraction elements depending on the transport unit configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized equipment
2Ease of operation
If forklift trucks are used to remove transport units from lorries, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases and overall facility speed is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual forklift operations with an automated mechanical extraction system. The extraction device uses motorized extraction elements that automatically push drawer-like cages out of transport units and onto the transfer line, eliminating the need for forklift trucks and manual intervention, thereby reducing unloading time while maintaining ease of operation through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device enables self-service operation where the system automatically extracts drawer-like cages from transport units without requiring external forklift assistance. The mechanized extraction elements perform the unloading function autonomously, reducing dependency on additional equipment and minimizing time loss
3Object-affected harmful factors
If supporting frames are washed after cage extraction, then the cleanliness is improved, but the productivity decreases due to extended washing time affecting operating times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by extracting all drawer-like cages from transport units before the supporting frames are washed. This sequencing allows the frames to be washed immediately after extraction without waiting for cage removal, enabling overlapping of washing operations with subsequent cage loading operations, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring thorough cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system maintains continuity of useful action by enabling parallel operations: while supporting frames are being washed, the extraction device can immediately begin loading cleaned frames with new drawer-like cages. This continuous operation ensures that washing time does not create idle periods in the production flow, maintaining overall productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A handling system for transport units (10) of live poultry in a slaughterhouse, comprising an inlet station (1) of the transport units (10), a transfer line (3) to receive drawer-like cages (15) extracted from the supporting frames (11) of the transport units (10), and an extraction device (5) configured to simultaneously extract two stacks of superimposed drawer-like cages (15) from the supporting frames (11). Between the inlet station (1) and the transfer line (3) a rigid receiving structure (6) of the two stacks of drawer-like cages (15) is interposed, vertically displaceable between a position of simultaneous receipt of the two stacks of extracted drawer-like cages (15) and a separate depositing position of the drawer-like cages (15) of each stack onto the transfer line (3).