Poultry Rehanging System with Segmented Takeover Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rehanging poultry from being suspended by the head to being suspended by the legs lack flexibility, are not suited for high processing rates, and require significant maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a leg positioning unit and a movable takeover unit that allows for the automated rehanging of poultry. The leg positioning unit supports the poultry at the legs while suspended by the head, and the movable takeover unit independently moves the poultry legs into a second shackle conveyor, enabling efficient and flexible rehanging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed and integrated leg positioning unit is used, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot cope with high processing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional units: a leg positioning unit and a movable takeover unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently - the leg positioning unit maintains simplicity while the movable takeover unit provides the necessary flexibility and speed for high processing rates through its independent movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The takeover unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and timing to match the processing rate requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying production speeds while maintaining operational reliability.
2Productivity
If the takeover unit is fixed and integrated with the leg positioning unit, then maintenance is simplified, but the system requires significant maintenance and is not suited for high processing rates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the leg positioning unit from the movable takeover unit, the system allows the takeover unit to be independently maintained or replaced without affecting the leg positioning unit. This modular approach reduces overall maintenance requirements while enabling high processing rates through the specialized design of the movable takeover unit.
3Extent of automation
If the movable takeover unit acts directly on the legs, then automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable takeover unit is designed to automatically engage with the legs after they have been positioned, eliminating the need for additional manual intervention or complex control systems. The unit's independent movement capability allows it to self-position and perform the takeover action, achieving high automation with relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A system and method for rehanging poultry (1) which is suspended by the head (2) in a first shackle (3) of a first shackle conveyor to a second shackle (4) of a second shackle conveyor in which the poultry (1) is or will be suspended by the legs (6), wherein the system comprises a leg positioning unit (5) arranged to support the poultry (1) at the legs (6) while the poultry (1) is maintained suspended by the head (2) in the first shackle (3) of the first shackle conveyor, a movable takeover unit (7) designed to operate on the legs (6) of the poultry (1) and arranged to be operational at least when the leg positioning unit (5) supports the poultry (1) at the legs (6), and wherein at least the movable takeover unit (7) is movable towards the second shackle (4) of the second shackle conveyor and is arranged to move the legs (6) of the poultry (1) into the second shackle (4) of the second shackle conveyor.