Elastic Pelt Retaining Device Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing pelt-retaining devices from pelt boards during the drying process are inefficient, lacking a reliable and reusable solution that ensures easy detachment and reusability.

Innovation Solution

The use of elastically bendable elongated elements with a ratchet-pawl arrangement, where the elements are bent to engage with the pelt and connected by a ratchet bar and pawl mechanism, allowing for pressure application to disengage and remove the elements from the pelt board, and subsequent storage for reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pelt-retaining device is used to securely retain the pelt during drying, then the reliability of pelt retention is improved, but the difficulty of removing the retaining device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepelt retention reliabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device uses elastically bendable elongated elements that can dynamically change their state between engaged and disengaged positions. During drying, the elements are bent to engage with the pelt providing secure retention. During removal, pressure applied to the outer end portions causes the elements to unbend and disengage from the pelt, enabling easy removal while maintaining reliability during the drying process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the physical state of the elongated elements by applying pressure to their outer end portions. This pressure causes the elements to transition from a bent engaged state to an unbent disengaged state. The ratchet-pawl mechanism controls this parameter change, allowing unilateral movement from engaged to disengaged state, ensuring reliable retention during drying while enabling controlled removal when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If a reusable pelt-retaining device is designed, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial lossVSAvoidretaining device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device is segmented into multiple identical elongated elements that can be independently manipulated. Each element has the same structure with inner surface, outer surface, and outer end portions. This segmentation allows the device to be removed and reused multiple times, reducing material loss, while the modular nature helps manage the complexity by using repeated simple units rather than a single complex structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be recovered and reused after each drying cycle. The elongated elements are removed from the pelt board by applying pressure to disengage them, then they can be stored and reused for subsequent pelts. The ratchet-pawl mechanism facilitates this recovery process by allowing easy disengagement while maintaining secure retention during use, enabling multiple reuse cycles and reducing material consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If elastically bendable elongated elements with ratchet-pawl arrangement are used, then the ease of operation for removal is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval easeVSAvoidretaining device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated elements are self-servicing in that they automatically engage with the pelt when bent and automatically disengage when pressure is applied to their outer end portions. The ratchet-pawl mechanism provides self-locking during retention, eliminating the need for additional locking operations. During removal, the mechanism self-unlocks when pressure is applied, enabling easy operation without complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet-pawl mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component integrated into the elongated elements. The pawl is positioned to engage with the ratchet bar on the elongated element, allowing the removal function to be achieved through a dedicated mechanical subsystem rather than requiring complex integrated controls, thus improving ease of operation while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reliable and efficient removal of pelt-retaining devices from pelt boards, facilitating easy detachment and reusability, ensuring effective pelt removal and storage, thereby improving the drying process efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

said elongated elements being elastically bendable and arranged opposite each other on respective major sides of the pelt board and bent to bring the respective inner surfaces in retaining engagement with the outer surface of the pelt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3693477B1A method and an apparatus for removing a pelt-retaining device from a pelt board
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 HEDENSTED GRUPPEN
  • EP3693477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3693477B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3693477B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A method for removing a pelt-retaining device from a pelt board on which the pelt has been retained by the retaining device during a drying process, the method comprising the following steps: a. arranging the lower end of the pelt board with the pelt retained thereon by means of the retaining device in a pelt board-holding device, b. bringing a gripping member into engagement with the outer surface of each of the elongated elements arranged opposite each other on respective major sides of the board, c. applying a pressure to the outer surface of each of the outer end portions of the elongated members being provided with a ratchet bar in order to bring the ratchet bar out of engagement with the pawl means, e. moving the gripping members being in engagement with the respective elongated members away from the pelt on the pelt board, thereby removing the elongated members from the pelt,