Pig Processing Clamp With Pivotable Jaws For Variable Size Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pig part processing plants have limitations in retaining assemblies that can only hold pig parts within a narrow size range and require operators to shift positions for processing different parts, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The design includes clamps with pivotable jaws and a carrier part, where a force applied against one face turns the jaws to open a gap, assisted by a spring biasing force, allowing for adjustable grip and progressive rotation of the clamps about a vertical axis as they move along a processing station, enabling the handling of various pig part sizes and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-distance plate members are used to hold pig parts, then the structure is simple and stable, but the retaining assembly can only hold pig parts within a narrow size range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the jaws pivotable relative to the carrier part about an axis, allowing the gap between jaws to be opened and closed. This dynamic adjustment enables the clamp to accommodate pig parts of various sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If operators shift between different positions for processing, then each processing station can be optimized for specific tasks, but processing efficiency decreases due to repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a clamp structure that can handle various pig part sizes and positions through the pivotable jaws mechanism. This multi-functional capability allows a single processing station to perform multiple tasks without requiring operator repositioning, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between jaws is fixed, then the clamp structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate various pig part sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the jaws pivotable relative to the carrier part about an axis, transforming the fixed gap into a dynamic, adjustable gap. This allows the clamp to accommodate various pig part sizes while keeping the mounting mechanism relatively simple, effectively resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
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 solution allows for improved flexibility and efficiency in processing different pig parts by accommodating a range of sizes and enabling continuous processing without operator repositioning, enhancing the overall processing plant's capability and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing force, preferably provided by a respective spring, biasing the jaw(s) towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A slaughtered pig part processing plant including pig part processing stations and a conveyor supporting, via respective couplings, spaced apart clamp structures, the conveyor advancing the couplings with a respective clamp structure in a machine direction (T) from a first station towards a last station, wherein the clamp structures each including a carrier part carrying two jaws, each jaw having an edge oriented towards the edge of the other jaw, the edges defining between them a gap (G1), at least one of the jaws being mounted to turn relative to the carrier part from a first position to second positions where the gap (G1) is opened up, wherein a force applied against the first face turns the jaw(s) from the first position, a biasing force biasing the jaw(s) towards the first position when the clamp structures move away from the first station.