Stackable Poultry Retainer with Interlocking Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poultry trussing devices are costly to manufacture, difficult to mount and dismount, and do not securely hold hocks in place, leading to inefficiencies in processing, packaging, and cooking, while also requiring additional materials for stacking and storage.
Innovation Solution
A stackable, unitary retainer device made of resilient material with a bridle and anchor system that securely engages poultry hocks using extensible straps and a pivoting mechanism, allowing for easy application and secure retention, and featuring an asymmetrical anchor for efficient stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal or wire retainers are used for poultry hocks, then secure retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal/wire to nylon plastic, transforming the retainer from a rigid structure to a resilient one. This allows the retainer to maintain security through elastic deformation and resilience while simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable nylon retainer that is inexpensive to manufacture compared to metal or wire alternatives. The retainer is designed for single-use in commercial settings, eliminating the need for cleaning, sanitizing, or maintenance associated with durable materials
2Reliability
If complex mounting mechanisms are used for retainers, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation and labor efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer features self-aligning loops and a resilient body that automatically position themselves during mounting. The extensible straps self-adjust to accommodate variations in poultry anatomy, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or skilled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates dynamic elements including extensible straps that can stretch during mounting and recovery, and a resilient body that flexes to accommodate different poultry sizes. This dynamic behavior simplifies the mounting process while maintaining secure attachment
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional binding materials like rubber bands are used for stacking, then stacking capability is achieved, but loss of substance and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stacking function directly into the retainer structure through asymmetrical anchors with protrusions and grooves. This eliminates the need for separate binding materials like rubber bands, reducing substance loss and additional manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer employs asymmetrical anchors with specific protrusion and groove configurations that enable unidirectional stacking. This asymmetrical design allows multiple retainers to interlock securely without requiring additional binding materials
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 device reduces labor and material costs, enhances throughput, and ensures secure hock retention during processing and cooking, while eliminating the need for external binding materials like rubber bands for stacking.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention may be constructed as a unitary, plate-like or planar member of resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
A poultry leg retainer having a bridle having a spar and side members defining loops or openings adapted to receive the hocks; an extensible strap attached to the spar and extending across the loops or openings and adapted to cooperate with knuckle creases on the hocks; a separator or tab projecting from the spar inwardly between the loops or openings for cooperating with the hocks so as to assist in retaining the hocks within the loops or openings; and an anchor having upturned ends adapted for engagement with an interior cavity of the poultry carcass, the bridle and extensible straps forming a basket structure for retaining the hocks to truss the legs against the poultry carcass. The anchor can have a front surface defining a protrusion and a back surface defining a groove complementary to the protrusion, the protrusion of one retainer being fittable within the groove of another retainer.