Scanner-Guided Portion Cutting and Vacuum Unloading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portioning and trimming systems for workpieces, particularly food products, face challenges in accuracy and throughput due to manual off-loading, which can lead to human error and increased worker turnover in cold environments, and require multiple offloader units to keep pace with high-speed cutters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a conveyance system, scanning system, cutting system, carrier system, and unloading system controlled by a processor to accurately cut and unload workpieces into desired shapes and sizes, using an X-Y gantry system and vacuum-operated actuators for precise movement and attachment of cut portions, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced equipment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual off-loading is used, then equipment requirements are minimized, but accuracy and productivity deteriorate due to human error and slow processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vision sensors and processors to automatically detect, classify, and guide the robotic manipulator in picking up and placing portions, enabling the system to serve itself without human intervention in the off-loading process while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical off-loading with an automated robotic manipulator system controlled by computer vision and processing, substituting human labor with automated mechanical and optical systems to improve accuracy and productivity
2Productivity
If multiple offloader units are deployed, then productivity increases, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed to perform multiple functions including picking up portions, transferring them to conveyors or containers, and adapting to different portion types and destinations, replacing the need for multiple specialized offloader units
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control through the robotic manipulator with programmable motion paths and speed adjustments to optimize throughput, allowing a single unit to achieve the productivity of multiple fixed offloaders through flexible, adaptive operation
3Device complexity
If manual off-loading is used in cold environments, then equipment requirements are minimized, but worker health and retention worsen due to physical ailments from repetitive cold exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs the off-loading task itself without human workers, eliminating exposure to harmful cold environments while maintaining operational continuity in refrigerated conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human workers with robotic manipulators that can operate in cold environments without suffering from physical ailments, substituting biological systems with mechanical ones that are immune to environmental harmful factors
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
The system enhances accuracy and throughput while minimizing equipment needs, reducing human error and improving working conditions by automating the off-loading process, enabling efficient handling of varying workpiece types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an unloading system operably associated with the carrier system operable to remove the cut portions from the conveyance system
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for cutting work product (104) into portions (P) and unloading the portions includes a conveyance system (102) for carrying the workpieces and portions, as well as a scanner (110) for scanning the work products. A cutter system (120) composed of cutter assemblies (122) carried by carrier systems (124) may be arranged in an array or series along the conveyance system for cutting, trimming, and portioning the work products (104) into end pieces (P) of desired sizes or other physical parameters. An unloading system (130) composed of one or more unloading assemblies/units/apparatus (132) are carried by the same carrier systems (124) used to carry the cutter assemblies (122) to pick up the portioned pieces (P) and either move them to a different location or replace the portioned workpieces back onto the conveyance system after the trim of the workpiece has been removed.