Scapula Removal Device for Suspended Meat Deboning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing deboning systems face inefficiencies in the removal of shoulder blades from bone-in meat, particularly when the meat is suspended, as the process can disrupt the overall processing ability and accuracy of the system.

Innovation Solution

A shoulder blade removal device and method that includes a bottom holder, a support member, a robot arm, and a chuck unit with a grip member and lock member to securely pinch and remove the shoulder blade, allowing for synchronized movement with the clamp and adjustment mechanisms to ensure precise exposure and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the shoulder blade is removed from suspended bone-in meat using existing deboning systems, then the shoulder blade can be removed, but the processing ability and accuracy of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing abilityVSAvoidaccuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by using the bottom holder to lift and position the bone-in meat, and the support member to push and expose the shoulder blade tip before the chuck unit grips it. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate removal while maintaining continuous processing flow, thus preserving both productivity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom holder and support member act as intermediary elements that facilitate the removal process. The bottom holder lifts the meat from below, while the support member pushes the meat to expose the shoulder blade, enabling the chuck unit to accurately grip and remove the blade without disrupting the overall system accuracy and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the shoulder blade removal process is simplified, then the operation becomes easier, but the positioning accuracy and effective extraction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom holder lifts the bone-in meat from below, and the support member automatically pushes the meat to expose the shoulder blade tip based on the lifting action. This self-service mechanism ensures that the complex positioning and exposure actions occur automatically without requiring complex manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise positioning for effective extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2826378B1Scapula removal device and method for meat on the bone, and deboning system for meat on the bone equipped with said device

Publication Date: 2017.02.15 MAYEKAWA MFG CO LTD

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AI summary

A shoulder blade removal device of bone-in meat includes: a bottom holder which is configured to be in contact with a lower side of the bone-in meat such that the lower side of the bone-in meat is lifted upward and moved in a horizontal direction; a support member for bending the bone-in meat in cooperation with the bottom holder such that an end of the shoulder blade; and a chuck unit attached to a robot arm and gripping the tip part of the shoulder blade in cooperation with the robot arm. The chuck unit includes: a base member fixed to the robot arm; a grip member; and a lock member supported by the base member such that the lock member can be advanced or retracted toward or away from the lateral plate part, the lock member pinching the shoulder blade in cooperation with the lateral plate part.