Optical Locator for Spinal Column Removal in Half-Carcasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing the spinal column from half-carcasses are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly when the carcass is not split perfectly along the median plane, leading to inaccurate cutting paths and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that locates anatomical structures and characteristic geometrical features on the ventral side of the half-carcass, using optical locators to define a cutting path that is offset from these features, allowing for precise removal of the spinal column regardless of the initial cutting path, using devices like cameras and structured light to obtain image data and determine the cutting path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spinal cord is located using optical scanning of the median cut surface, then the cutting path can be determined, but the method fails when the carcass is not split perfectly along the median plane causing the spinal canal to be undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary anatomical structure (the anatomical landmark on the ventral side) that serves as a mediator between the external cut surface and the internal spinal canal. This landmark can be reliably detected even when the spinal canal itself is not visible due to imperfect median splitting, thus resolving the detection reliability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary localization of the anatomical landmark on the ventral side before determining the cutting path. This preliminary action establishes a reliable reference point that compensates for potential imperfections in the median split, enabling accurate cutting path determination even when the spinal canal is not directly observable.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cutting path is determined based on the spinal canal position, then the cutting can be guided, but the offset may be too much or too little resulting in too much meat or too little bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a specific anatomical landmark on the ventral side as a localized reference point for cutting path determination. This landmark provides locally accurate positioning information that enables precise cutting path calculation, optimizing the balance between meat retention and bone removal without excessive loss of either.
3Ease of operation
If manual removal is used when optical detection fails, then the spinal column can be removed, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the anatomical landmark and calculating the cutting path without requiring manual intervention. This automated approach maintains operational capability while eliminating the need for manual spinal column removal, thus preserving labor efficiency even when the spinal canal is not directly detectable.
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
This method enables fast and efficient removal of the spinal column with reduced labor costs, as it is independent of the initial cutting path and can handle both left and right sides of half-carcasses, ensuring optimal meat retention and bone removal.
Implementation Method 1
using devices like cameras and structured light to obtain image data and determine the cutting path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the slaughtering industry where slaughtered animals are cut along the median plane to provide a pair of half-carcasses (1A), and the spinal column (3), also referred to as the vertebral column, is removed from the half-carcasses.