Laser Shrimp Processing for Precise Heading and Deveining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrimp processing methods, including automated equipment, result in high meat loss and reduced revenue due to inefficient processing techniques such as peeling and deveining, which often damage the shrimp and lead to meat loss.
Innovation Solution
A shrimp processing apparatus and method that includes a series of stations for measuring, heading, and severing the mud vein of shrimp, using clamps to retain and move shrimp through the system, and employing a control system to manage processing steps accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mechanical shrimp processing methods are used, then processing speed is improved, but product quality deteriorates due to excessive force causing damage to shrimp flesh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting systems with a laser-based processing system. The laser beam delivers energy to vaporize and separate shrimp tissues (head, shell, mud vein) without physical contact, eliminating the damage caused by mechanical force while maintaining high processing speed through rapid energy delivery.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical processing equipment is used, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core processing function from complex mechanical assemblies and implements it through a focused laser system. By removing mechanical cutting components, transmission mechanisms, and associated control systems, the invention achieves shrimp processing capability with significantly reduced device complexity and fewer moving parts.
3Productivity
If mechanical processing methods are used, then processing efficiency is improved, but harmful factors increase due to bacterial contamination from contact with processing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates contact between the shrimp product and processing surfaces by using laser energy for processing. The laser beam acts as a non-contact tool that vaporizes and separates tissues without requiring the shrimp to touch mechanical cutting surfaces, thereby preventing bacterial contamination while maintaining processing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Shrimp processing apparatus to head and optionally sever the mud veins of shrimp, along with methods for heading and mud vein severing are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp: measurement of individual shrimp, severing the mud vein of individual shrimp, and heading of individual shrimp.