Meat Forming Interface Module for Fast Additive Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for forming moulded meat products, such as hamburger patties, struggle with flexibility in producing variations in shape, taste, and content, especially in shorter production runs, leading to cleaning losses and downtime due to the need to empty and refill the system with different seasoned or marinated meat masses.
Innovation Solution
A system with an interface module that includes a tubular section and a rotatable drive shaft for controlled supply of meat and additives, allowing for efficient distribution of additives directly into the meat mass, reducing the amount of meat required for changeovers and minimizing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If meat mass is uniformly seasoned before entering the storage hopper, then large production runs of uniform meat products can be achieved, but the system cannot easily handle variations or shorter production runs requiring different seasonings or inclusions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seasoning process into two segments: basic seasoning is applied to the meat mass in the hopper for uniform products, while variant-specific seasonings and inclusions are added separately at the interface module just before molding. This segmentation allows the bulk meat supply to remain efficient while enabling flexible product variations without requiring complete system refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is pre-equipped with multiple additive supply channels and distribution means that can be activated on-demand. The basic meat mass is prepared in advance in the hopper, and the system maintains readiness to add different seasonings/inclusions by simply activating the appropriate additive supply channels, eliminating the need to refill the entire meat supply system for product variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the forming system is emptied, cleaned and refilled with another variety of seasoned and/or marinated meat mass to produce different burger variants, then product variety can be achieved, but significant meat losses (10-50 kilograms) and downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the meat supply into two segments: the main hopper containing basic seasoned meat mass that remains unchanged, and a smaller interface module zone where variant-specific additives are introduced. This segmentation allows product variety to be achieved by adding different seasonings/inclusions at the interface without emptying or cleaning the main meat supply system, eliminating the 10-50 kilogram meat losses associated with complete refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module acts as an intermediary between the main meat supply hopper and the molding system. It provides a controlled zone where different seasonings and inclusions can be added to the basic meat mass without contaminating the main supply lines. This intermediary approach enables product variety while preventing the need to clean and refill the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the forming system is emptied, cleaned and refilled with another variety of seasoned and/or marinated meat mass to produce different burger variants, then product variety can be achieved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module is pre-configured with multiple additive supply channels and distribution mechanisms that are ready for immediate activation. Different seasonings and inclusions are prepared in advance in separate containers, allowing rapid switching between product variants by simply activating the appropriate additive supply channels without stopping the main meat supply flow or requiring system cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The main meat supply from the hopper to the molding system continues uninterrupted while product variations are achieved by adding different seasonings/inclusions at the interface module. This maintains continuous production flow without the downtime associated with emptying, cleaning, and refilling the entire system for product changes.
4Productivity
If a large amount of meat mass (10-50 kilograms) is present in the piping from the storage to the mould, then the system can handle large production runs, but changing to another burger variant becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the meat handling into a large-capacity hopper for bulk basic-seasoned meat storage and a smaller interface module zone where variant-specific additives are introduced. This segmentation allows the main system to maintain large batch processing capacity while the interface module handles the variable成分 additions, making changeovers easier by limiting the amount of variant-specific meat that needs to be managed.
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
Enables quicker and more economical changeovers between different burger variants with reduced meat waste, facilitating flexible production of varied moulded meat products without significant downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an additive supply pump for controllably supplying an additive via an additive supply channel
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable drive shaft comprising a first end outside the tubular section, configured to engage with a drive means, and a second end extending inside the tubular section
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forming moulded meat products from a meat mass comprising. The system comprises a mould with at least one mould cavity, a meat supply pump and an interface module for connecting the meat supply channel to the mould. The interface module comprises a tubular section, a meat supply opening, a meat delivery opening, and a rotatable drive shaft comprising a first end outside the tubular section, configured to engage with a drive means and a second end extending inside the tubular section. The system further comprises an additive supply for controllably supplying an additive via an additive supply channel.