Poultry Processing Line Synchronized Switch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poultry processing lines with pivot arms are not suited for high-speed operations, as they risk jamming when pivot arms have not reached their final position, leading to potential disasters during high-speed processing.
Innovation Solution
A processing line with synchronized poultry carriers and processing units, equipped with a switch that moves between operational and idle positions using an actuator, preventing jamming by ensuring the switch operates with the moving parts, and utilizing a cam follower and cam track system for reliable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pivot arms are used to select processing positions, then the system can control whether poultry is processed or bypassed, but the system is not suitable for high-speed processing due to risk of jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the switch movable rather than stationary. The switch moves together with the poultry carrier or processing unit, ensuring it always remains in the correct relative position to control the processing path. This dynamic positioning eliminates the jamming risk associated with stationary pivot arms that may not reach their final position in time for high-speed processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pivot arms are used for path selection, then processing decisions can be made, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by having the switch automatically move with the poultry carrier or processing unit without requiring separate control mechanisms. The switch is mounted on the moving component itself, so it self-adjusts its position relative to the processing path based on the movement of its mounting platform, simplifying the control system and enabling high-speed operation.
3Device complexity
If stationary pivot arms are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot reliably operate at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary pivot arm structure into a dynamic system where the switch moves with the poultry carrier or processing unit. This maintains relative positional accuracy without requiring complex control mechanisms, achieving high-speed reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A poultry processing line is provided having a series of poultry carriers and a processing unit or processing units, wherein the poultry carriers are movable to and from the processing unit or processing units and the poultry carriers and the processing unit or processing units are synchronized to enable processing of the poultry by the processing unit or processing units. A switch is provided such that the poultry carriers and/or the processing unit or processing units are selectable between an operational position in which the poultry is processed by the processing unit or units and an inoperational or idle position in which the poultry is prevented from being processed by the processing unit or units.