Robotic Carcass Washing Path Control for Uniform High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carcass washing in slaughterhouses is labor-intensive, varies with worker skill, leads to musculoskeletal disorders and post-traumatic stress, and risks injury due to high-pressure water, with inaccurate results at high work rates.
Innovation Solution
An automated carcass washing system using a sensor part to detect carcasses, a robot arm part with a washing module to spray water, and a control unit to calculate and control the washing path, allowing simultaneous washing of bisected carcasses with precision and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual washing operation is performed by worker, then washing can be done, but work result varies according to worker skill level and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical washing operation with an automated robotic arm system equipped with spray nozzles. The robot arm moves along a predetermined path to spray washing water on carcasses, eliminating dependence on worker skill levels while maintaining consistent washing quality and enabling higher productivity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual control to automated control with precise positioning. The robot arm follows a predetermined path with controlled spray timing and water pressure parameters, ensuring consistent washing quality regardless of operator variability while increasing overall washing speed.
2Productivity
If worker performs repeated washing operations, then washing task is completed, but musculoskeletal disorders occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the human worker's mechanical arm movements with an automated robotic arm system. The robot performs all repetitive washing motions along a predetermined path, completely eliminating physical strain on workers while maintaining high washing throughput capability.
3Reliability
If worker continuously watches carcasses during washing, then monitoring is performed, but post-traumatic stress occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for continuous human visual monitoring with an automated sensor system. Sensors detect the position of carcasses and the robot arm, enabling automatic adjustment of washing parameters and path planning without requiring worker presence or attention, thereby eliminating psychological stress while maintaining reliable monitoring.
4Manufacturing precision
If high pressure washing water is sprayed, then foreign matter is removed, but worker injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual high-pressure washing with an automated robotic arm that precisely controls spray direction and pressure application. The robot can adjust spray parameters dynamically based on sensor feedback, maintaining effective foreign matter removal while eliminating the risk of worker injury from uncontrolled high-pressure water.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect carcass position and adjust spray parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that high-pressure water is applied only where needed and at safe distances, maintaining washing effectiveness while preventing worker injury through automated control.
5Productivity
If maximum washing speed is maintained, then productivity is high, but washing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual washing with an automated robot arm that can operate at high speeds while maintaining precision through programmable motion control. The robot follows a predetermined path with accurate positioning, enabling high throughput without sacrificing washing accuracy that would occur with rushed manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates the optimal washing path and parameters before operation begins. This preliminary planning allows the robot to execute high-speed washing with maintained accuracy, as the optimal trajectory and spray timing are predetermined based on carcass detection data.
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
Reduces working time, minimizes water waste, and ensures consistent washing quality by automating the process, preventing worker injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor part which detects bisected carcasses and collects scan information including sizes and curvatures of the bisected carcasses
Implementation Method 2
a washing module part including a plurality of washing nozzles which are connected to an end portion of the robot arm part, move along with the robot arm part, and spray the washing water toward the bisected carcasses
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides an automated carcass washing system which washes carcasses bisected into a first carcass and a second carcass and moved while hanging on a hanger, which includes a sensor part which detects bisected carcasses and collects scan information including sizes and curvatures of the bisected carcasses, a robot arm part which moves along a movement path calculated on the basis of the scan information, a washing module part including a plurality of washing nozzles which are connected to an end portion of the robot arm part, move along with the robot arm part, and spray the washing water toward the bisected carcasses, and a control unit which calculates the movement path of the robot arm part on the basis of the collected scan information and controls movement of the robot arm part and spraying of the washing water of the washing module part.