Poultry Processing Shackle With Spring-Loaded Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shackle designs for suspending viscera packs in poultry processing lines lack secure clamping mechanisms to prevent unintentional release and contamination, leading to inefficiencies in processing.
Innovation Solution
A shackle with a clamping mechanism featuring moveable clamping elements actuated by a spring, where the clamping elements are aligned through cut-out portions to ensure secure clamping and controlled movement, preventing unintentional release and contamination, and designed for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping mechanism with moveable clamping elements is used, then the security of clamping viscera packs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into two separate clamping elements (first and second clamping elements) that can move independently between open and closed positions. This segmentation allows each element to be controlled separately, improving clamping security while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are made movable between open and closed positions rather than being fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment and secure clamping of viscera packs. The spring element provides dynamic force to maintain clamping pressure, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If cut-out portions are provided in clamping elements for actuator alignment, then the precision of clamping element alignment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-out portions are pre-formed in the clamping elements during manufacturing, establishing precise alignment features before assembly. This preliminary action ensures accurate alignment of clamping elements with the actuator, improving precision while the cut-out portions are integrated into the manufacturing process to minimize additional complexity
3Reliability
If the clamping elements are kept tightly closed by spring force, then the prevention of unintentional release is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically maintains clamping force without requiring external energy input or control systems. The spring self-regulates the clamping pressure, preventing unintentional release of viscera packs while consuming minimal energy, as the elastic potential energy is stored during the clamping action itself
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 shackle securely clamps viscera packs, preventing contamination and ensuring efficient processing by maintaining tight clamping without unintended release, allowing for higher processing line speeds with reduced swinging of viscera packs.
Implementation Method 1
The spring, which is typically elongated, is located between the first and second clamping elements, such that moving the elements away from each other ultimately requires a force of the spring to be overcome. This force keeps the clamping elements together in the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shackle for suspending viscera packs of slaughtered poultry in a processing line, comprising a frame; a coupling, connected to the frame, at a first end of the frame; a clamping part, connected to the frame, at a second end of the frame, opposite to the first end of the frame, wherein the clamping part comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, wherein the second clamping element is rotatable with respect to the first clamping element, between an open position and a closed position; an actuator, such as a rod, to move, the second clamping element with respect to the first actuator, wherein the actuator is moveable between an open position; and a closed position; and a spring, of which one end is arranged on the first clamping element, and another end is arranged on the second clamping element.