Ham Deboning Apparatus with Automated Conveying and Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deboning apparatuses for hams require significant manual effort from operators, who must move and debone the hams, leading to fatigue and inefficiency, and are not easily integratable with existing processing lines without substantial modifications.
Innovation Solution
A deboning apparatus with automated moving means to transport hams to and from the deboning zone, and gripping means that do not obstruct the work surface, allowing for reduced operator effort and easy integration with existing processing lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual deboning operation is used, then the operator can handle each ham's distinctive features, but the operator experiences significant physical effort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The ham is self-positioned on the support surface through automated conveying, and the gripping means automatically immobilize the ham during deboning. The system serves itself by using the ham's own weight and position to facilitate the deboning operation without requiring manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling by the operator is replaced with automated conveying devices and gripping mechanisms. The mechanical system automatically positions and immobilizes the ham, substituting the operator's physical actions with automated mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If automated moving means is introduced, then operator fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device serves multiple functions: it transports hams to the deboning station, positions them on the support surface, and facilitates their removal after deboning. The gripping means also serve dual purposes by both immobilizing the ham and enabling its transfer between stations, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to engage and disengage the ham as needed. This dynamic design enables the same component to perform multiple operations (immobilization, positioning, transfer) without requiring a complex array of fixed structures.
3Reliability
If gripping means are positioned to immobilize the ham, then the ham is securely held during deboning, but the gripping means obstruct the work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping means operate in a vertical dimension above the work surface rather than occupying horizontal space on the surface itself. This allows the gripping means to effectively immobilize the ham while leaving the work surface area clear for other operations and movements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual loading and unloading of hams is performed, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but productivity decreases due to repetitive tiring operations
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device enables continuous operation by automatically transporting hams through the deboning station without interruption. Hams are continuously loaded, processed, and unloaded in an unbroken sequence, eliminating the stop-and-start nature of manual handling and maximizing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ham deboning apparatus (1) comprising a deboning unit (6) provided with an operating zone (7), supplying means (9) for supplying the ham (2) to an entry zone (10) of the deboning unit (6), removing means (20) for removing the ham (2) from an outlet zone (19) of the deboning unit (6), the deboning unit (6) comprising moving means (18) arranged for conveying the ham (2) along a moving path inside the deboning unit (6) and comprising a first conveying device (22) for moving the ham (2) along a first moving direction (D1), comprising a first conveyor belt (24) and a second conveyor belt (25) arranged in sequence, between which a passage (29) is provided is arranged for permitting the transit of a pusher (28) for pushing the ham (2) upwards to promote a superior opening and facilitate the extraction of the at least one bone.