Shoulder Positioning Conveyor Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cutting meat products, such as pork shoulders, are labor-intensive and lack accuracy, leading to inefficiencies and yield loss when manual alignment and positioning are required, especially when cutting through bones.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a track, chain, and guide bar that synchronizes speed with a transport conveyor to maintain the product stationary during cutting, using hooks to advance and position the product optimally for cutting, reducing manual labor and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used to align the shoulder with the cutting device, then the operator can adjust the position, but the method is labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system automatically positions the shoulder through synchronized movement between the positioning conveyor and transport conveyor, eliminating the need for manual positioning by an operator. The system serves itself by using the conveyors' coordinated motion to achieve precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning operation is replaced with an automated conveyor system that uses synchronized belt movement to position the shoulder. The mechanical system substitutes human labor with automated mechanical coordination between conveyors.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment is used prior to cutting, then the operator can position the product, but accuracy is insufficient when cutting through bone causing product movement and yield loss
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder is pre-positioned on the positioning conveyor before cutting occurs. The synchronized movement between conveyors performs the alignment action in advance, ensuring the shoulder is precisely positioned before the cutting blade engages, preventing movement during cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment operations are replaced with an automated synchronized conveyor system that provides consistent, accurate positioning. This mechanical substitution eliminates the variability and inaccuracy of manual alignment, especially critical when cutting through bone.
3Productivity
If the product is transported on a moving conveyor, then continuous production is maintained, but the product cannot be held stationary for precise cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic speed coordination between two conveyors. The positioning conveyor and transport conveyor operate at synchronized speeds, creating a dynamic equilibrium where the shoulder appears stationary relative to the cutting device while both conveyors continue moving, maintaining continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning conveyor acts as an intermediary between the transport conveyor and the cutting device. It receives the shoulder from the moving transport conveyor and uses synchronized motion to hold the product effectively stationary during cutting, then releases it back to continuous flow.
4Extent of automation
If automated conveyor positioning is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning conveyor serves multiple functions: it receives products from the transport conveyor, positions them through synchronized movement, holds them stationary during cutting, and releases them after cutting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the automation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A conveyor for positioning a meat product to be cut having a track attached to a frame, a chain slidably mounted on the track, a plurality of flights connected to the chain and a guide bar connected to the frame wherein the conveyor advances product forward at a loading end, maintains the product in a stable position through a transport section, and releases the product at a discharge end such that the product drops off the guide bar.