Intestinal Support Element with Folded Edge Slip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support elements for intestine casings in sausage production are prone to slipping and require additional costly securing means like rubber rings or perforated discs, which can contaminate the product or are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A tubular support element with slitted free end areas forming tongue-like edge sections that can be folded over to prevent slipping, eliminating the need for rubber rings and providing secure holding without additional fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber rings are used to secure intestine sections on carrying elements, then slipping prevention is improved, but cost increases and contamination risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rubber ring from the system by integrating the securing function directly into the carrying element itself. The carrying element is designed with an expansion section that can be inflated to secure the intestine section, replacing the external rubber ring and thereby eliminating contamination risks associated with rubber materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing function is merged with the carrying element by integrating the expansion section directly into the carrying element structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate securing components like rubber rings, reducing part count and eliminating contamination sources while maintaining reliable slipping prevention.
2Reliability
If rubber rings are used to secure intestine sections, then slipping prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged with the carrying element by integrating the expansion section directly into the carrying element structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate securing components like rubber rings, reducing part count and eliminating contamination sources while maintaining reliable slipping prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the transport carrier and the securing mechanism through its integrated expansion section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing overall manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If perforated discs are used as holding parts, then slipping prevention is improved, but product contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the perforated disc from the system by integrating the securing function directly into the carrying element itself. The carrying element is designed with an expansion section that can be inflated to secure the intestine section, replacing the external perforated disc and thereby eliminating contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying element serves itself by incorporating the securing function directly into its structure through the expansion section. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate holding parts that could contaminate the product, as the carrying element securely holds the intestine section through its own integrated mechanism.
4Reliability
If additional fastening means are used to prevent slipping, then holding security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged with the carrying element by integrating the expansion section directly into the carrying element structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate securing components like rubber rings, reducing part count and eliminating contamination sources while maintaining reliable slipping prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the transport carrier and the securing mechanism through its integrated expansion section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing overall manufacturing cost and complexity.
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 support element effectively prevents intestine sections from slipping off during transport and storage, reducing the risk of contamination and cost by using a simple, automated folding mechanism that maintains stability even when pressed or squeezed.
Implementation Method 1
By folding a folded section over a folded edge, slip protection is provided
Implementation Method 2
The support element can in particular be designed in one piece and consist of elastically flexible plastic
Data Source
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AI summary
Supporting element (10) for sliding onto and holding at least one intestinal segment, wherein the supporting element has a first and a second free end region, wherein at least one free end region of the supporting element has a folding section (30, 32) foldable about a first folding edge (34, 36) to prevent an intestinal segment slid onto the supporting element from slipping off the supporting element.