Closure Module for Sausage Casings Using Electrode Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing and separating filled sausage casings connected via a sausage plait are inefficient, causing damage to sensitive casings, requiring high current strengths, and complicating the closure of sausage chain ends, leading to increased costs and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A closure module with movable electrodes that heat the sausage plait instead of the casings, using the plait as an electrolyte to seal and separate the casings without direct contact, allowing for gentle and reliable closure of filled sausage casings, including the end of the sausage chain, without additional sausage portions or mechanical conversion for different calibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are arranged at a fixed distance and current is applied directly to sausage portions, then closing and separation can be achieved, but high current intensities cause reactions in the filling product and damage to delicate sausage casings
Solution Approach 1:
The sausage braid serves as an intermediary electrolyte between the electrodes, allowing current to flow through it rather than directly through the sausage portions. This mediator approach enables the electrical energy to be converted to thermal energy in the braid, which then heats and seals the connection point without the electrodes contacting the delicate sausage casings, thus preventing damage while achieving reliable closing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the direct electrical contact method with a thermal field approach. Instead of applying high current intensities that cause mechanical and chemical damage, the system uses controlled heating through the sausage braid electrolyte to achieve sealing and separation through thermal effects, substituting a harsh electrical-mechanical process with a gentler thermal process
2Reliability
If current is applied to sausage ends under mechanical tension, then closing can be attempted, but the sausage casing tears during heating
Solution Approach 1:
The sausage braid acts as a mediator that absorbs the electrical energy and converts it to thermal energy, creating a heat source that seals the casing without requiring direct electrical contact with the tensioned sausage end. This intermediary approach allows the casing to be heated and sealed while under controlled conditions, preventing tearing that would occur with direct electrode contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the closing condition by positioning the electrodes to contact the sausage braid before applying current. The braid is first established as the current path, and only then is electrical energy applied to generate heat for sealing. This preliminary setup ensures the casing is properly positioned and the heating process begins under controlled conditions, preventing premature tearing
3Reliability
If two sausages are required to apply tension for closing, then closing can be achieved, but the end of a sausage chain cannot be sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The closure module designed with movable electrodes that can contact the sausage braid is a universal solution that works for both intermediate connections between sausages and for sealing the end of a sausage chain. The system does not require a second sausage to provide tension because the electrodes can be positioned to contact the braid at the chain end, allowing the same device to perform multiple functions: sealing connections between sausages and sealing terminal ends
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt their position to contact the sausage braid whether it is between two sausages or at the end of a chain. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to accommodate different operational scenarios, providing versatility for both intermediate sealing and terminal end sealing without requiring different devices or additional sausages
4Reliability
If additional empty casing is produced to close sausage portions, then closing can be achieved, but casing and sausage meat costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing sausage braid that connects the sausages as the electrolyte for the electrical heating process. Instead of requiring additional empty casing or materials to facilitate the closing process, the invention makes the braid itself serve the dual purpose of mechanical connection and electrical conduction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for extra materials, reducing both casing waste and production costs while maintaining reliable closing
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 ensures secure, hygienic closure and separation of sausage casings with reduced mechanical stress and energy usage, enabling efficient production with lower costs and improved product quality, while allowing for easy handling and adaptation to various sausage sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical energy is converted into thermal energy as it flows through the sausage braid (resistance) and heats it up
Implementation Method 2
The sausage braid, for example the twisted sausage casing between the filled sausage portions, acts as an electrolyte between the pair of electrodes. The current can therefore flow from one electrode through the sausage braid to the other electrode
Implementation Method 3
In the natural casing, for example, the thermal denaturation of collagen (coagulation of protein) then begins. From around 100 °C, further water evaporates, so that the natural casing of the sausage braid coagulates and is thus sealed
Implementation Method 4
From around 100 °C, further water evaporates, so that the natural casing of the sausage braid coagulates and is thus sealed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure module and a method for closing and/or separating filled sausage casings connected by a sausage braid, with a first and a second electrode opposite the first, which are arranged in such a way that a sausage braid can be placed between them and which are movable relative to each other towards the sausage braid to such an extent that a current can flow from the first electrode into the sausage braid and via the sausage braid into the second electrode.