Two-Tier Hook Bacon Comb Prevents Muscle Drop-Away
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bacon combs fail to adequately support the secondary lean CT muscle during processing, leading to 'drop-away' and a reduction in the yield of #1 grade bacon slices due to the hidden positioning of this muscle, resulting in downgraded slices and lower market value.
Innovation Solution
A bacon comb with a two-tier hook pattern that engages both the primary and secondary lean muscles at different vertical elevations, preventing drop-away and ensuring proper support during heat processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-tier hook pattern is used to support the bacon belly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the secondary lean CT muscle cannot be properly supported causing drop-away
Solution Approach 1:
The hook pattern is segmented into two distinct tiers: a first tier of hooks engaging the primary lean muscle and a second tier of hooks engaging the secondary lean CT muscle at a lower vertical elevation. This segmentation allows each tier to independently support its respective muscle, preventing the drop-away problem while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-tier (two-dimensional) hook pattern to a two-tier (three-dimensional) hook pattern by adding a vertical dimension. The second tier of hooks is positioned at a lower vertical elevation than the first tier, creating spatial separation that enables simultaneous engagement of both primary and secondary muscles without interfering with each other.
2Device complexity
If the secondary lean CT muscle is not supported, then the device complexity is reduced, but the yield of #1 grade bacon slices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two functional tiers: the first tier supports the primary lean muscle while the second tier supports the secondary lean CT muscle. This segmentation ensures that the secondary muscle receives dedicated support, preventing it from dropping away and ensuring that slices meet #1 grade criteria, thereby increasing yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tier of hooks is specifically positioned to engage the secondary lean CT muscle at a lower vertical elevation, providing localized support exactly where needed. This local quality approach ensures that the secondary muscle is supported precisely at the critical location during processing, maximizing the yield of high-grade slices.
3Ease of operation
If hooks are positioned to engage the primary lean muscle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the secondary lean CT muscle cannot be engaged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The hook arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between engaging the primary muscle and the secondary muscle. The first tier of hooks engages the primary lean muscle at a higher vertical elevation, while the second tier of hooks engages the secondary lean CT muscle at a lower vertical elevation. This dimensional separation allows both muscles to be engaged simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook system is segmented into two functional groups: the first tier for primary muscle engagement and the second tier for secondary muscle engagement. This segmentation allows the operator to easily engage the primary muscle with the first tier while simultaneously engaging the secondary muscle with the second tier, achieving dual muscle support without complicating the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bacon comb hangs a bacon belly in a vertical position for processing and has laterally extending hooks engaging and supporting both the primary lean muscle and the secondary lean CT muscle at the top end of the bacon belly to prevent drop-away of the secondary lean CT muscle from the primary lean muscle, to increase the number of bacon slices per bacon belly meeting #1 grade criteria.