Robotic Transfer of Tubular Casings for Sausage Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sausage production systems require manual or automated refilling of tubular packaging casings, which is time-consuming, necessitates specific storage alignment, and can lead to downtimes and packaging damage, increasing operational complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a robotic device to transfer tubular packaging casings to a clipping machine, featuring a filling tube assembly with movable filling tubes and casing brake assemblies, controlled by a unified control unit, allowing automated and efficient refilling without manual intervention and minimizing downtimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual refilling of tubular packaging casings is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but production downtime increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic refilling where the packaging casing supply self-feeds into the filling tube through gravity-assisted flow, eliminating the need for manual intervention and continuous operator involvement in the refilling process
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular packaging casing supply is pre-positioned in a storage device at a specific angle (15-45 degrees) before refilling is needed, allowing the system to maintain continuous operation without waiting for manual refilling actions
2Ease of operation
If automated refilling with gravity transfer is used, then labor requirements are reduced, but specific storage alignment is required and packaging damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is designed with a specific angular orientation (15-45 degrees relative to horizontal) to optimize gravity-assisted flow of packaging casings, changing the geometric parameter to achieve automatic feeding without complex alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A guide channel or funnel structure acts as an intermediary between the storage device and filling tube, facilitating smooth transfer of packaging casings and preventing damage during the automated refilling process
3Productivity
If high-speed automated refilling is implemented, then production efficiency increases, but risk of packaging damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates cushioning elements or damping mechanisms in the transfer path that are pre-positioned to absorb impact forces during high-speed automated refilling, protecting packaging casings from damage before contact occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling mechanism uses dynamic control where the transfer speed and positioning are adjusted in real-time based on the state of the packaging supply, allowing high-speed operation while maintaining gentle handling through adaptive motion control
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
Enables safe, reliable, and efficient production of sausage-shaped products by automating the refilling process, reducing downtimes, and optimizing the transfer of packaging casings, thus enhancing production efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
The robotic device includes a gripper unit for gripping a tubular packaging casing supply provided by the storage device, and for transferring said tubular packaging casing supply onto the at least first filling tube
Implementation Method 2
at least a first casing brake assembly, associated with the first filling tube, for applying a braking force to the tubular packaging casing while being pulled-off from the first filling tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to system for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filling a filling material into a tubular packaging casing. The system includes a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, a robotic device for transferring a tubular packaging casing supply to the clipping machine, and a storage device for storing a tubular packaging casing supply. The present invention further relates to a method for producing sausage-shaped products in the system.