Pressing Device Optical Detection for Frozen Meat Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meat pressing devices require high pressing forces to compress frozen meat products and often have ergonomic and safety issues due to the need for a heavy, secure cover to prevent accidental intervention during the pressing process, which complicates operation and increases processing time.
Innovation Solution
A pressing device equipped with an entrance control device that detects objects using light barriers or light grids, allowing the entrance to remain open during the pressing process while ensuring safety by sending detection signals when objects intervene, thus preventing injuries and disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy secure cover is used to prevent accidental intervention during pressing, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover system with an optical detection system (light barriers or light grids). Instead of using a physical barrier to prevent access, the system uses electromagnetic radiation (light) to detect the presence of objects or persons in the pressing chamber. When the light beam is interrupted, the control device automatically stops the pressing process, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical covers while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the user and the pressing chamber. The light barriers or light grids serve as intermediaries that detect intrusion and trigger the control device to stop the pressing process. This intermediary system provides safety without requiring direct physical intervention or heavy mechanical barriers.
2Reliability
If a heavy secure cover is used to prevent accidental intervention during pressing, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover system with an optical detection system (light barriers or light grids). Instead of using a physical barrier to prevent access, the system uses electromagnetic radiation (light) to detect the presence of objects or persons in the pressing chamber. When the light beam is interrupted, the control device automatically stops the pressing process, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical covers while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing chamber remains accessible throughout the pressing process, allowing continuous monitoring and immediate removal of products. The optical detection system enables continuous safety monitoring without interrupting the workflow, whereas mechanical covers would require opening and closing operations that break the continuity of the pressing process.
3Reliability
If the entrance is closed with a cover during pressing, then safety against inadvertent access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover system with an optical detection system (light barriers or light grids). Instead of using a physical barrier to prevent access, the system uses electromagnetic radiation (light) to detect the presence of objects or persons in the pressing chamber. When the light beam is interrupted, the control device automatically stops the pressing process, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical covers while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety function from the mechanical cover system and implements it separately through an independent optical detection system. The light barriers or light grids are positioned around the pressing chamber to detect intrusion, and the control device responds by stopping the pressing process. This separation of safety function from mechanical structure simplifies the overall device design.
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 solution enhances operational comfort and speed by eliminating the need for a secure cover, allowing continuous access to the pressing chamber while ensuring safety through real-time detection and adaptation of the pressing process, thereby preventing injuries and maintaining process integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the entrance control device may comprise a light barrier and be configured to emit the detection signal when the light barrier is interrupted
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A pressing device for pressing meat products, in particular frozen and/or partially frozen meat products, preferably fresh meat products and/or bacon, comprises a pressing chamber extending along a longitudinal direction, into which a product to be pressed can be inserted along an insertion direction through an inlet. Furthermore, the pressing device comprises an inlet control device, which is configured to detect an object located in the inlet and to send out a corresponding detection signal.