In-line Batching with Overhead Conveyor Weighing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installations for processing slaughtered animal parts lack efficient batching mechanisms that can form batches based on precise weight and quality parameters, leading to inefficiencies in processing and packaging.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system with a conveying system, weighing devices, and a control device that determines the weight and quality of animal parts, coupled with a batching algorithm to select optimal unload positions and form batches of uniform weight and quality, allowing for flexible batch composition and quality classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stand-alone batching device with conveyor belt and selector arms is used, then poultry parts can be batched based on weight, but the system complexity increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveying function and batching function into a single integrated system. The overhead conveyor system serves both to transport poultry parts through processing stations and to deliver them directly to batching bins, eliminating the need for separate conveyor belts and selector arms. The control system integrates weighing data, buffering logic, and batching control into one unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise weight-based batching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead conveyor system performs multiple functions: it transports poultry parts through various treatment devices, positions them for weighing, and delivers them to appropriate batching bins based on weight criteria. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated batching conveyors and mechanical selector arms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise batching control.
2Measurement precision
If poultry parts are removed from the conveying system and transferred to a stand-alone batching device, then batching can be performed, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary weighing and classification of poultry parts while they are still on the overhead conveyor, before they reach the batching bins. The control system pre-determines which bin each part should go to based on weight criteria, and the conveyor system directly delivers parts to the predetermined bins without intermediate transfer operations. This eliminates time-consuming transfer steps while maintaining precise batch composition control.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead conveyor system maintains continuous motion throughout the batching process, with poultry parts being continuously weighed, classified, and delivered to batching bins without interruption. The system operates as a continuous flow process rather than a batch-by-batch transfer process, maximizing throughput while ensuring precise batch composition through real-time weight monitoring and control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveying devices with transferring devices are used, then flexibility in processing different animal parts is improved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional overhead conveyor configuration with multiple levels and radial arms that can be independently controlled. This vertical and radial arrangement provides processing flexibility equivalent to multiple separate conveying devices but occupies significantly less floor space. The system can handle different types of poultry parts on different arms or levels simultaneously, maintaining versatility while compacting the installation footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system employs a nested structure where multiple conveying arms or levels are arranged concentrically or hierarchically around a central axis. Inner arms or lower levels are positioned within the spatial envelope of outer arms or upper levels, allowing multiple processing streams to coexist in a compact configuration. This nested arrangement provides the flexibility of multiple conveying devices while minimizing the overall installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for processing slaughtered animal parts of slaughtered animals and forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts includes a conveying system with a single conveying device or with a plurality of conveying devices, at least one slaughtered animal treatment device positioned along the path of the conveying device, a first weighing device for determining the weight of the one or more slaughtered animal parts carried by a product carrier, an installation control device including slaughtered animal part position determining device and memory device, and a batching device which is positioned along the path of the conveying device for forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts.