Elastic Meat Deboning Apparatus for Bone Fragment Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deboning methods for bone-in meat, such as chicken drumettes, are labor-intensive and inefficient, with manual separation requiring significant effort and time, and existing automation systems do not effectively address the challenge of varying meat piece lengths or ensure high yield and product quality by preventing bone fragment contamination.
Innovation Solution
A deboning apparatus comprising a clamper, cutters, elastic meat-portion peeling members, and a control system that adjusts the peeling force and detection mechanisms to automate the separation process, ensuring high yield and preventing bone fragment contamination by using a clamper to hold the meat, making circumferential cuts, and using peeling members that apply elastic force to separate the meat portion while detecting the gap between peeling members to optimize cutting timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deboning is used, then product quality can be maintained through careful handling, but labor time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deboning operations with an automated mechanical system comprising a clamper, cutters, and elastic peeling members. The system uses controlled mechanical forces to separate meat from bone, eliminating manual labor while maintaining product quality through precise control of the deboning parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic peeling members automatically adapt to the meat portion thickness and bone shape during the peeling process. The elastic force is applied dynamically based on the actual contact conditions, allowing the system to self-adjust without manual intervention for each varying piece of meat.
2Reliability
If the meat separator moves along the entire length to completely separate meat from bone, then complete deboning is achieved, but meat yield decreases due to excessive cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary circumferential cut around the bone at the initial stage, creating a separation line that allows the meat to be peeled away in one continuous motion. This preliminary action prevents the need for multiple cutting passes along the entire length, thereby preserving meat yield while achieving complete deboning.
Solution Approach 2:
The deboning process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) making a circumferential cut around the bone, and (2) peeling the meat away using elastic members. This segmentation allows the meat to be separated in one efficient motion rather than requiring continuous cutting along the entire bone length.
3Productivity
If the meat separator is moved quickly to improve productivity, then processing speed increases, but bone fragments may contaminate the meat portion
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic peeling members are designed to provide cushioning force during the peeling process. This elastic cushioning absorbs shocks and prevents excessive force from being applied to the bone, thereby preventing bone fragments from breaking off and contaminating the meat even during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter dynamically by using elastic members that automatically adjust the applied force based on contact conditions. This allows high-speed operation while maintaining controlled force levels that prevent bone fragmentation.
4Device complexity
If fixed-force peeling members are used, then device complexity is reduced, but inability to adapt to varying meat lengths reduces versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The peeling members are made elastic to enable automatic adjustment of the applied force parameter. This allows the same simple device structure to adapt to varying meat lengths and thicknesses without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-force members to dynamic elastic members that automatically adjust their force output based on the actual work conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the simple device to handle varying meat lengths effectively.
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 apparatus enables efficient and high-yield deboning of bone-in meat with reduced manual effort, adaptable to varying meat lengths, and minimizes bone fragment contamination, improving the quality of boneless meat by ensuring precise separation and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic support part which elastically supports the at least one meat-portion peeling member so that the at least one meat-portion peeling member applies an elastic force to the piece of bone-in meat
Data Source
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AI summary
A bone-in meat deboning apparatus according to the present invention includes: a clamper for holding a piece of bone-in meat including a bone head at least in one end; a first cutter capable of moving toward and away with respect to the piece of bone-in meat being held by the clamper at the first end, for making a cut in a circumferential direction on a meat portion of the piece of bone-in meat in a vicinity of a held section; at least one meat-portion peeling member insertable into the cut on the piece of bone-in meat held by the clamper; an elastic support part for elastically supporting the meat-portion peeling member so that the meat-portion peeling member applies an elastic force to the piece of bone-in meat; a meat-portion-peeling driving part capable of changing a distance between the clamper and the meat-portion peeling member; and a second cutter capable of moving toward and away with respect to the piece of bone-in meat held by the clamper, for cutting the meat portion adhering to the second end including the bone head of the piece of bone-in meat.