Sensor-Controlled Meat Conveying for Flexible Processing Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meat processing apparatuses lack flexibility in conveying meat, as they do not allow for dynamic adjustment based on the conveyance status of multiple conveyors.
Innovation Solution
A meat processing apparatus with a conveying line comprising a plurality of conveying units, processing stations, and a controller that controls the conveyors based on sensor detections to optimize meat flow and adjust conveyance according to the presence or absence of meat in subsequent units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of conveyors are used to convey meat, then conveyance capacity is improved, but flexibility in adjusting conveyance based on status is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is divided into multiple independent conveying units (first conveying unit, second conveying unit, third conveying unit), each equipped with its own sensor and controllable by the controller independently. This segmentation allows the controller to adjust the operation of individual conveying units based on detection results, thereby maintaining flexibility while handling multiple meat products simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conveying unit is equipped with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of meat, and the controller uses this detection information to adjust the operation of the conveying units. For example, when the second sensor detects no meat, the controller can stop the first conveying unit while continuing to operate the second conveying unit, enabling dynamic adjustment based on real-time status.
2Productivity
If conveyance is stopped to wait for processing station, then productivity is reduced, but meat loss is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares meat in advance on the conveying units before it reaches the processing station. The controller coordinates the movement of meat through the conveying units so that meat is ready for processing without unnecessary waiting, thereby maintaining productivity while preventing loss through proper timing and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller manages multiple conveying units to ensure continuous movement and preparation of meat products. By coordinating the operation of different conveying units, the system maintains continuous useful action in the conveyance process, reducing idle time and preventing meat loss while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The meat processing apparatus includes a conveying line including a plurality of conveying units arranged in series, at least one processing station for processing the meat conveyed by the conveying line, and a controller for controlling the conveying units. The plurality of conveying units include: a first conveying unit having a first conveyor and a first sensor for detecting the meat placed on the first conveyor; and a second conveying unit located downstream of the first conveying unit, and having a second conveyor and a second sensor for detecting the meat placed on the second conveyor. The controller is configured to drive and control the first conveyor and the second conveyor based on a detection result of the second sensor.