Rotating Clamp Coupling for Pig Processing Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pig part processing plants require manual shifting between positions for processing sides and front parts, which is inefficient and can lead to misorientation of pig parts during processing.
Innovation Solution
The plant incorporates pig part retaining clamp structures connected to a conveyor that allows rotation about a vertical axis, using elongated guiding elements to facilitate correct orientation and alignment for processing, with a coupling system enabling rotation of the clamps to ensure proper positioning at each processing station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual shifting between positions is used for processing sides and front parts, then operational flexibility is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases and misorientation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure is made dynamically adjustable through the rotation mechanism about the vertical axis, allowing it to change orientation automatically based on the processing station requirements. This eliminates the need for manual shifting while maintaining the ability to process both sides and front parts of pig parts efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-orientation through the guiding elements and rotation mechanism, automatically positioning the pig parts correctly at each processing station without requiring manual intervention. The clamp structure self-adjusts its orientation to present the correct surface for processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If rotation mechanism is added to enable automatic orientation, then processing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented into discrete angular positions corresponding to different processing stations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). The guiding elements provide discrete positioning points that simplify the rotation mechanism design while ensuring accurate orientation at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding elements act as intermediaries between the rotation mechanism and the clamp structure, providing geometric constraints that automatically guide the rotation to the correct angular positions. This reduces the complexity of the rotation mechanism by using passive geometric guidance rather than active control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamp structures are made rotatable about vertical axis, then adaptability to different processing stations improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable clamp structure serves multiple functions: it can process both sides and front parts of pig parts, accommodate different processing stations, and maintain consistent orientation accuracy throughout the line. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation about the vertical axis adds a rotational degree of freedom to the clamp structure, enabling it to access different surfaces of the pig parts that would otherwise require multiple separate fixtures or manual repositioning. This dimensional addition provides versatility without requiring complex multi-component systems.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a slaughtered pig part (2) processing plant (1) including a plurality of pig part (2) processing stations and a conveyor (10) supporting via respective couplings (30) a plurality of spaced apart clamp structures (20), said conveyor (10) advancing said couplings (30) with a respective clamp structure (20) in a machine direction (T) from a first station (40) for introducing a pig part (2) between jaws of a clamp structure (20), towards a last station (600) for re-moving the bone of the processed pig part (2) from the clamp structure (20), characterised in said clamp structures (20) being connected to said conveyor(10) so as to allow for a turning movement of said clamp structures (20) about a vertical axis (D), said processing plant (1) including elongated guiding elements (55) engaging said clamp structures (20) or said couplings (30) as they are advanced in said machine direction (T), for bringing about said turning movement about said vertical axis (D).