Dynamic L-Board Allocation for Food Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging food product slices, such as ham, on L-boards lack versatility and efficiency in adapting to varying product properties like size, weight, and quality features, limiting the ability to produce diverse end products with optimal packaging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically allocate different product carriers, specifically L-boards, based on the properties of food product portions, such as size, weight, or quality features, using sensors and image processing to determine the appropriate carrier for each product, allowing for the production of multiple end products with optimized packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of L-board is used for all product portions, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the adaptability to different product properties (size, weight, quality) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects appropriate L-boards based on real-time detection of product properties. Sensors detect properties such as size, weight, or quality features of each product portion, and the control system automatically selects and allocates the suitable L-board type from multiple available options, enabling adaptability without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The food processing device is designed to handle multiple types of L-boards (different sizes, shapes, colors, or imprints) using a single allocation system. The device can process various product portions with different properties and assign the appropriate L-board type from a universal set of carriers, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to diverse packaging requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different L-board types are made available for allocation, then the versatility to produce diverse end products is increased, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-service by detecting product properties through sensors and autonomously selecting the appropriate L-board type without operator intervention. The control system automatically manages the allocation process, matching product characteristics with suitable carrier properties, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the availability of multiple L-board types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor product properties (size, weight, quality features) and provide real-time information to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts L-board selection to match product requirements, enabling versatile end product production while simplifying operation through automated decision-making.
3Manufacturing precision
If L-board selection is based on multiple product properties (size, weight, quality features), then the precision of packaging optimization is improved, but the measurement and detection requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors, each designed to measure specific product properties independently. One sensor detects size dimensions, another measures weight, and additional sensors assess quality features such as color or texture. This segmentation allows the system to accurately evaluate multiple properties without requiring a single complex measurement device, thereby maintaining detection feasibility while achieving high packaging optimization precision.
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
Enables the production of diverse end products with tailored packaging solutions by selecting the appropriate L-board size and design based on product properties, enhancing the versatility and economic operation of food processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the property of the product portion is detected by means of a camera. With a camera and respective image processing software, in particular the size, especially the outline of the product portion the texture, in particular the fat content, the color or the shape of the product portion can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for allocating product carriers, in particular L-boards, to certain types of product portions of a food product, in particular stacks of slices of a food product. During processing of the product portions, at least two different product carriers are available, of which a specific product carrier is respectively combined with the product portion in dependency of a property of a product portion. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a food processing device.