Segmented Skinning Device for Carcass Contour Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current skinning devices for animal carcasses, such as those disclosed in EP14780522.0, are inefficient in removing all skin layers, particularly those less exposed, leading to increased manual labor and reduced throughput in the skinning process, compromising safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A deskinning and defatting system utilizing a motor-driven tooth roll with a cutting blade, controlled by a sensing device and control unit, moves perpendicular to the carcass to adapt to its shape, allowing complete skin and fat removal without manual intervention, using multiple devices to clamp and stabilize the carcass for comprehensive access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a rotation mechanism rotates the skinning device to engage the skin of the incoming carcass, then the skinning process is automated, but only the skin on one side of the carcass is removed requiring manual labor for the remaining skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of skinning processVSAvoidthroughput of skinning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The skinning device is divided into multiple independent skinning elements arranged in segments along the conveyor path. Each skinning element can independently engage and remove skin from different portions of the carcass, allowing comprehensive coverage of all surfaces including hard-to-reach areas through the segmented configuration working in coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The skinning device transitions from a single-plane rotation mechanism to a multi-dimensional configuration where skinning elements are arranged not only radially but also axially along the conveyor. This adds a longitudinal dimension to the skinning action, enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple carcass surfaces including top, bottom, and side surfaces that were previously inaccessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If a rotation mechanism rotates the skinning device to engage the skin of the incoming carcass, then the skinning process is automated, but there is still a significant part of skin that is not possible to remove especially skin that is less exposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of skinning processVSAvoidcompleteness of skin removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The skinning device is designed with universal skinning elements that can adapt to remove skin from various surfaces and orientations. The elements are configured to handle different carcass positions and angles, making the device capable of removing skin from all surfaces including top, bottom, sides, and hard-to-reach areas that were previously inaccessible to single-sided devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual labor is used to remove remaining skin, then complete skin removal is achieved, but the throughput of the skinning process is reduced and safety is jeopardized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of skin removalVSAvoidthroughput of skinning process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The skinning device is designed to automatically perform all skinning operations without requiring manual intervention. The multiple skinning elements work in coordination to automatically engage, pull, and remove skin from all carcass surfaces, and the system includes self-adjusting mechanisms that adapt to carcass variations, making the entire process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operators to manually remove remaining skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system significantly reduces manual labor, increases throughput, ensures complete skin and fat removal, and enhances safety by automating the process, making it more economical and accident-free.

Implementation Method 1

engaging the skin and/or fat of the incoming carcass at an engaging position where the skin and/or fat layer is pulled between the first support structure and the first tooth roll

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12193448B2Skinning device for removing skin from an animal carcass when conveyed by a conveyor means

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 MAREL MEAT BV

AI summary

A system and a method are provided for deskinning and/or defatting animal carcass while being conveyed by an overhang rails system carrying the carcass. The method includes: sensing, by a sensing device, an incoming animal carcass, using the resulting sensing data from the sensing device by a control unit in controlling a movement of a first device while deskinning and/or defatting the carcass by the first device. The controlled movement includes: setting the first device to an initial angular position and engaging the skin and/or fat of the incoming animal carcass at an engaging position; moving the first device in a movement direction including a movement direction perpendicular to the conveying direction along the animal carcass while following an outer profile of the surface of the carcass and simultaneously adapting the angular position of the first device to the shape of the carcass for partial removal of skin or fat.