Sensing Device for Automatic Casing Dimension Detection in Tubular Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling devices for shirred, tubular casings require manual input of casing dimensions, leading to errors and increased manual effort, and have limited monitoring capabilities, resulting in potential production stops and faulty sausages.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sensing device with displacement or linear sensors to determine the position of the driver ring and push-on device, allowing for automatic determination of casing dimensions and optimization of the filling process, reducing errors and increasing production reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual input of casing dimensions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input with an optical sensing system. Sensors detect the position of the drive ring and sliding device automatically, eliminating the need for manual dimension entry and associated errors while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device enables the system to automatically determine casing dimensions without external manual input. The drive ring's position and movement automatically provide the information needed for precise casing dimension determination, making the system self-measuring.
2Ease of operation
If manual input of casing dimensions is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to production stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device provides real-time feedback on casing position and dimensions. This immediate detection of casing faults (insufficient positioning, kinks, defects) allows for instantaneous corrective action, preventing production stoppages while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device acts as an intermediary between the mechanical filling process and the control system. It translates physical casing position into detectable signals, enabling automated monitoring without complicating the operational interface.
3Device complexity
If monitoring capabilities are limited, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors to detect casing position and faults, replacing complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms. This provides reliable detection of insufficient positioning, kinks, and defects while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Filling device (6) and method for filling gathered, tubular sleeves (16) with a filling tube (20, 20') onto which a gathered, tubular sleeve (16) can be slid, a movable receiving part (38) receiving a first end of the filling tube (20, 20') which is configured to move the filling tube (20, 20') into a loading position in which the sleeve (16) can be placed onto the filling tube (20, 20') and into a filling position in which the sleeve (16) can be filled, a sliding device (40) movable axially to the longitudinal axis (20, 20') of the filling tube for sliding the sleeve (16) onto the filling tube (20, 20') in the loading position, and an axially movable drive ring arranged on the filling tube (20, 20'). (18) and a sensing device (49) for determining the position of the drive ring (22) and/or the slide-on device (40).