Separation Device for Sausage Suspension Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation assemblies for sausage-shaped products from clipping machines can be obstructed by single suspension loops without packaging casings, leading to blocked discharge paths and interference with already hung products due to the loops' open configuration caused by missing weight.
Innovation Solution
A transportation assembly with a guiding device and a separation device that expands or opens the suspension element, allowing a single suspension element without a packaging casing to be securely removed before reaching the storage rod, using a cutting edge to detach and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transportation assembly uses a guiding device with a bar-shaped guiding element to transport sausage-shaped products, then the products can be guided and transported along a defined path, but single suspension loops without packaging casings can block the discharge path and interfere with already hung products
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is positioned upstream in the transportation path to remove single suspension loops before they can reach the discharge path or interfere with hung products. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect from occurring rather than correcting it afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device extracts and removes single suspension loops from the transportation flow. By identifying and separating these problematic elements from the main stream of sausage-shaped products, the system eliminates the source of blocking and interference issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension element is held in an open configuration by the weight of the packaging casing, then the sausage-shaped product can be properly guided and transported, but single suspension loops without packaging casings remain in an open configuration that causes blocking and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device converts the harmful characteristic of single suspension loops (their open configuration causing blocking) into a beneficial identification feature. The same open configuration that causes problems is used to identify and separate these loops from the normal flow of packaged products.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device acts as an intermediary element between the transportation device and the discharge path. It intercepts and removes single suspension loops before they can cause harm, serving as a protective mediator in the system.
3Device complexity
If no separation device is used, then the transportation assembly structure remains simple, but single suspension loops can cause blocked discharge paths and require additional maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device creates a self-cleaning effect in the transportation system by automatically removing problematic single suspension loops. This prevents accumulation and potential blocking issues, making the system self-maintaining to some extent.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing single suspension loops early in the transportation process, the separation device prevents potential problems before they occur. This preliminary removal action ensures reliable operation without requiring complex backup systems or frequent maintenance interventions.
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
Ensures safe and uninterrupted transfer of sausage-shaped products by preventing single suspension elements from blocking the discharge path or interfering with previously hung products, maintaining the production flow and reducing potential losses and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the suspension loop is held in an open or spread configuration. That means that the upper portion of the suspension loop lays firmly on the upper surface of the guide means, like the guide bar or the chain guide, whereas the lower portion of the suspension loop is pulled downwardly away from the guide means
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transportation assembly (100) for transporting sausage shaped products (S), like sausages, out of a clipping machine (1) for producing sausage-shaped products (S) in a transportation direction (T) to a rod-like storing element, like a smoking rod. Each sausage-shaped product (S) comprises a filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing closed on at least one end by a closing means (C), like a closure clip, and a suspension element (L), like a suspension loop, attached to the end closed by said closure means (C), the transportation assembly (100) comprises a guiding device (110) having a bar-shaped guiding element (112) along which the sausage-shaped product (S) is guided by its suspension element (L), and a transportation device (120) for transporting the sausage-shaped product (S) along the guiding element (112) by engaging the suspension element of the sausage-shaped product (S). The suspension element (L) is held in an open configuration by the weight of the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing to which it is attached by the closure means (C). In the present invention, a separation device (130) is provided at the guide element (112), for removing a suspension element (L) from the guiding element (112), which is transported by the transportation device (120) without a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing attached thereto.