Intestine Separation Device with Adjustable Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating intestines from a cluster of organs are inefficient, require high operator skill, lead to damage, and result in high maintenance costs due to the need for frequent blade replacement, and are unsuitable for processing all connections within the digestive tract.
Innovation Solution
A device with a guiding mechanism that adjusts gap width to accommodate varying tissue thickness, using a rotatable cutting member or water jet cutter to separate intestines from other tissues with minimal damage and low maintenance, allowing for efficient separation by relatively low-trained operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hand-held knife is used for separating intestine from tissue, then the operator can perform the separation task, but the operator requires extensive education and experience, and the working position is unnatural and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guiding device with a gap as an intermediary between the cutting blade and the intestine-tissue assembly. The guiding device controls the positioning and movement, allowing the blade to automatically follow the intestine's path without requiring the operator to manually guide it, thus reducing skill requirements while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The separating device is designed to be self-guiding through the use of a guiding device that automatically follows the intestine's contour. The blade moves closely along the intestine near its outer surface without requiring constant manual adjustment, making the system largely self-regulating and reducing the operator's burden
2Productivity
If a traditional knife blade is used for scraping action to separate intestine from tissue, then the separation can be performed, but the cutting edge becomes unsuited for further use after a few hundreds of intestines and needs frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional scraping mechanical action with a more efficient cutting mechanism. The blade is positioned to cut through the tissue rather than scrape along it, reducing friction and wear. This substitution of cutting mechanism significantly extends blade life while maintaining high separation speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device allows the blade to dynamically adjust its position relative to the intestine, moving closely along the intestine near its outer surface. This dynamic positioning ensures optimal cutting angle and contact, reducing blade wear while maintaining high separation efficiency throughout the blade's extended service life
3Length of moving object
If the cutting edge is positioned close to the guiding device to harvest maximum intestine length, then the intestine length is maximized, but the risk of damaging the intestine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device acts as a protective intermediary between the cutting blade and the intestine. It maintains a precise, controlled distance between the blade and the intestine, allowing the blade to cut the tissue very close to the intestine (maximizing harvestable length) while preventing direct contact that could cause damage. The gap in the guiding device provides this critical protective buffer
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding device has different structural characteristics in different regions: the gap provides protection where needed, while other portions guide and constrain the intestine to maintain proper positioning. This localized variation in structural properties allows simultaneous achievement of maximum intestine length and minimum damage risk
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gap width is fixed in the guiding device, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying tissue thickness and requires multiple devices for different separation tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable second guiding member that can adjust the gap width dynamically. This allows the same device to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses by adjusting the gap, providing versatility for different separation tasks. The adjustable mechanism adds moderate complexity but enables one device to replace multiple fixed-gap devices
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable gap design makes the guiding device universal, capable of handling different tissue thicknesses and separation requirements with a single device. The same guiding device can be used for various intestine separation tasks by simply adjusting the gap width, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
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 device enables efficient separation of intestines with reduced operator strain, extended blade life, and ability to process all connections within the digestive tract, achieving high operational efficiency and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
using a rotatable cutting member or water jet cutter to separate intestines from other tissues
Data Source
AI summary
For separating an intestine from a cluster of organs harvested from an animal, in particular a pig, cow or sheep, wherein the intestine is connected to the remainder of the cluster through tissue, a device and method are provided. The intestine separating device includes a guiding device having at least one guiding surface configured to contact the intestine. The guiding device includes first and second guiding members together defining a gap for accommodating the tissue. The first and second guiding members are movable towards and away from each other to vary a gap width. A gap width control structure includes an actuator to controllably decrease and increase the gap width. A tissue separating device is operative in the gap to provide a separation in the tissue close to the intestine.