Front Quarter Carcass Hanging Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for hanging animal carcasses vertically by their rear limbs lead to meat contamination and increased butchering time due to spinal cord exposure and require extended cooling periods, posing risks to butchers.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for hanging an animal carcass by its front quarter using a base with a projection and connection device, allowing the carcass to be positioned with its front quarter above the hindquarter, which can be integrated with existing butchering apparatuses or methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the carcass is hung vertically by its two rear limbs and split along the backbone, then the carcass is easier to handle, but meat contamination occurs through spinal cord exposure and the cooling period is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarcass handlingVSAvoidmeat contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional hanging method by suspending the carcass from the front quarter instead of the rear limbs. This reversal allows the carcass to be positioned with the front quarter above the hindquarter, eliminating the need to split along the backbone and preventing spinal cord exposure that causes contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the carcass is split along the backbone, then the carcass is easier to handle, but the cooling period is extended and total butchering time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarcass handlingVSAvoidbutchering time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the hanging orientation to suspend from the front quarter, the patent eliminates the requirement to split the carcass along the backbone. The carcass can be processed in its intact state, significantly reducing preparation time and eliminating the extended cooling period required for split carcasses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the carcass is cooled for extended periods, then meat quality is maintained, but instances of injury to butchers increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeat qualityVSAvoidinjury risk to butchers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted hanging method from the front quarter allows for more efficient processing that reduces the extended cooling periods traditionally required. This decreases the time butchers are exposed to cold environments and handling risks, thereby reducing injury instances while maintaining meat quality through the intact carcass structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11297844B2Carcass hanging device and method for hanging an animal carcass

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 NSC BEEF PROCESSING LLC

AI summary

An animal carcass hanging device includes a base having an upper surface, a projection connected at one end with the base upper surface, and a connection device connected with a second end of the projection. The projection has a width that is less than a width of the base. When the device is inserted into a central cavity of an animal carcass, the projection extends through a carcass upper end opening so that the base is in contact with a wall of the cavity. The connection device is then connected with a structure and the carcass is hung from its front quarter.