Sausage Separation via Variable Transport Speed Differential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating chains of sausages into individual units either result in deflection and damage due to transverse forces during cutting or cause casing bursts due to excessive strain, especially when dealing with short sausage products.

Innovation Solution

The method involves temporarily increasing the transport speed of the second transport device relative to the first to create a larger gap between sausages, allowing for easier separation without the need for strong braking, which reduces the risk of casing bursts and maintains sausage stability during cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the separation point is created by strong braking in the casing brake, then the gap between sausages is created, but the casing is held back causing high strain and intestinal bursts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap between sausagesVSAvoidcasing bursts

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transport speed variable rather than constant. The second transport device temporarily increases its speed to create the separation gap, then returns to normal speed. This dynamic speed adjustment achieves the gap creation without the harmful braking force that would otherwise be applied to the casing brake.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of transport speed to create the separation gap. By temporarily increasing the speed of the second transport device relative to the first, the gap between sausages is created through speed differential rather than mechanical braking, thus avoiding casing strain and bursts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the transport speed is increased to create a larger gap for separation, then the separation process is improved, but the sausage may be deflected laterally due to transverse forces during cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation point sizeVSAvoidsausage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating the separation gap before the cutting operation. The second transport device increases speed in advance to separate the sausages, so that when the cutting blade arrives, the sausages are already positioned with adequate gap and stability, preventing lateral deflection during cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic speed adjustment of the second transport device creates a moving separation point that adapts to the cutting process. The speed increase is temporary and controlled, allowing the separation to occur dynamically without causing instability or lateral deflection of the sausages during the actual cutting moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the casing brake is tightened to create a gap between sausages, then the sausages can be severed at the gap, but high strain is placed on the casing leading to intestinal bursts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation processVSAvoidcasing strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical braking system (casing brake) with a speed-differential system. Instead of using strong braking forces to create the separation gap, the system uses the relative speed difference between two transport devices to achieve the same separation effect, thereby eliminating the harmful strain on the casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from static braking to dynamic speed control. By adjusting the speed parameter of the second transport device temporarily, the separation gap is created through motion control rather than mechanical force, preserving casing strength while enabling easy separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the transport speed of the second device is temporarily increased, then the separation point is enlarged for easier cutting, but the complexity of speed control is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation processVSAvoidspeed control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic speed control where the second transport device can temporarily adjust its speed. This dynamic capability, while adding some control complexity, significantly simplifies the separation process by enabling automatic gap creation without complex mechanical braking systems or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2364596B1Method and device for separating sausage chains

Publication Date: 2013.08.21 ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHFABRICK

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for separating a sausage chain into individual sausages (8). Filled, separated sausages (8) are first transported by a first transport device (2) and then by a second transport device (3) arranged behind the first transport device (2) in the transport direction (T). The separation point (12) between two sausages arranged one behind the other is increased by making the transport speed of the second transport device at least temporarily greater than the transport speed of the first transport device. The sausage chain is then cut at the separation point in the second transport device.