Adjustable Laser Alignment for Meat Saw Cutting Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meat cutting systems face challenges in achieving consistent cuts due to human error and safety risks, leading to inconsistent yield and inclusion of unwanted bone parts.
Innovation Solution
A cutting system with a positioning conveyor, adjustable laser assembly, and controller that automatically aligns the saw blade with a predetermined cut line on the meat product, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is used to position the meat product, then the operator can physically adjust the position, but human error and safety risks lead to inconsistent cuts and reduced yield
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic alignment where the positioning conveyor and adjustable laser assembly work autonomously to align the cut line with the saw blade without requiring operator intervention. The laser automatically projects the cut line and the system self-adjusts to maintain proper alignment throughout the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an optical system using a laser assembly that projects a visible cut line. The adjustable laser assembly uses motorized positioning mechanisms to automatically align the projected line with the saw blade, substituting human physical adjustment with automated optical-mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If stationary lasers are used as guides, then alignment can be visualized, but manual positioning is still required which maintains susceptibility to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The laser assembly is made dynamically adjustable through motorized positioning mechanisms that allow the laser to be automatically repositioned along multiple axes. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different meat product positions and sizes while maintaining automatic alignment, transforming the static laser guide into an actively controlled positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position of the meat product and the saw blade, and this information is used to automatically adjust the laser assembly's position. The controller receives feedback from position sensors and adjusts the laser alignment accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise alignment without manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If the saw blade is fixed in position, then the cutting apparatus is simple, but the blade cannot be aligned with the optimal cut line on varied meat products
Solution Approach 1:
The saw body is equipped with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the saw blade to be dynamically repositioned in multiple dimensions. These mechanisms enable the blade to be aligned with different optimal cut lines for various meat product types, sizes, and positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure through modular design.
4Ease of operation
If operators manually position meat products for cutting, then alignment can be attempted, but human error leads to inconsistent yield and bone inclusion
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning conveyor automatically positions the meat product on the shackle to ensure proper alignment with the saw blade. The system uses sensors to detect the meat product's position and automatically adjusts the conveyor or product positioning, eliminating the need for manual positioning while ensuring consistent, precise alignment for optimal cutting.
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 system ensures more uniform cuts, maximizes meat yield, and enhances operator safety by automating the alignment process, reducing human error and physical strain.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable laser is provided that shines a laser beam on the meat product approaching the throat and blade
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting system that conveys a meat product to the throat and blade of a saw (10). A positioning conveyor (14) positions the meat product into a predetermined position. An adjustable laser (52) is then used to locate a predetermined area of the meat product so that the saw blade can be adjusted to align with the laser beam before cutting of the meat product.