Servo-Driven Compression System for Automated Meat Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging systems for whole muscle products, such as meat, lack efficiency in automatically compressing and securing products in covering materials like netting, often requiring manual intervention and struggling with consistent compression and clipping processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electric motor-driven compression system with servo motors and automated pushers that compress whole muscle products into cylindrical shapes and automatically apply clips using a packaging system with a breech chute mechanism, programmable speed profiles, and adjustable compression forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual compression and clipping processes are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system performs compression and clipping operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The compression chamber self-compresses the product using a compression member driven by an electric motor, and the clipper assembly automatically applies clips to secure the product in the covering material, enabling continuous high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electric motor-driven system. The electric motor controls the compression member through a compression speed profile, and the clipper assembly is automatically actuated, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electromechanical systems to improve productivity and consistency
2Manufacturing precision
If compression force is increased to improve product density, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is driven dynamically with a programmable compression speed profile that varies the speed during the compression stroke. The system applies higher speeds during initial compression and reduces speed during final setting to achieve consistent product density and shape without requiring excessive compression force or complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls compression parameters through an electric motor with programmable speed profiles, changing the compression speed as a variable parameter during the compression cycle. This allows precise control of compression force application over time, achieving consistent manufacturing results while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Productivity
If automated pushers and compression members are added, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression chamber and compression member serve multiple functions: they compress the product to desired density, define the final product shape and dimensions, and position the product for subsequent clipping operations. The electric motor-driven system provides both compression force and controlled motion, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: a compression chamber with compression member for product compression, a separate clipper assembly for applying clips, and an automated pusher for product advancement. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together in an automated sequence to improve throughput
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
This solution enables efficient, automated packaging of whole muscle products by ensuring consistent compression and secure clipping, improving processing speed and reducing manual labor while maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor having an output rotor that is attached to the linear drive assembly to drive the linear drive assembly to reciprocate the pusher head
Implementation Method 2
a linear drive assembly in communication with the shaft, and an electric motor having an output rotor that is attached to the linear drive assembly to drive the linear drive assembly to reciprocate the pusher head between extended and retracted positions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatus, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material. The devices include an automated compression assembly with an electric drive motor and a pusher assembly with an electric motor, preferably each electric motor is a servo motor. The systems/apparatus devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the compression and/or pusher assembly.