Ultrasonic Probe for Non-Invasive Fat Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fat and loin depths in meat carcasses are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and not suitable for high-speed processing in packing plants, as they require manual techniques and are not non-invasive, making it challenging to accurately assess meat quality in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultrasonic probe system that uses ultrasound imaging to capture internal images of meat tissue, processing algorithms to determine tissue boundaries, and real-time measurement of fat and loin depths, enabling non-invasive, automated, and accurate assessments even at high processing line speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to achieve accurate fat and loin depth measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive and time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated ultrasonic imaging system. The ultrasonic probe emits sound waves that penetrate the carcass tissue, and the resulting echoes are processed to automatically determine fat and loin depth measurements, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring highly trained technicians. The automated image processing algorithms independently analyze the ultrasonic images and extract measurement data, making the system self-sufficient and capable of operating at high processing speeds.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement techniques are employed to ensure accurate tissue boundary detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time-consuming nature of manual analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and measurement with automated ultrasonic imaging and digital image processing. The system captures ultrasonic images of the tissue boundaries and uses computer algorithms to automatically detect and measure fat and loin depths, dramatically reducing measurement time while preserving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic probe captures complete images of the tissue structures in advance, allowing the system to analyze all relevant information simultaneously rather than measuring point-by-point manually. This preliminary capture of comprehensive data enables rapid automated analysis.
3Reliability
If highly trained technicians perform manual measurements to achieve reliable results, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to perform all critical functions autonomously without requiring highly trained technicians. The automated ultrasonic imaging and image processing algorithms independently complete the measurement task, eliminating the need for specialized operator skills while maintaining consistent and reliable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human expert judgment and manual measurement skills with automated computational algorithms. The system uses computer-based image analysis to objectively determine tissue boundaries and measurements, eliminating variability associated with different operators and reducing the need for highly trained personnel.
4Measurement precision
If cross-sectional scanning methods are used to expose internal tissue for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for carcass splitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical carcass splitting and exposure of internal tissues with non-invasive ultrasonic imaging. The ultrasonic probe penetrates the skin and subcutaneous fat to visualize and measure the loin eye muscle and tissue boundaries internally, eliminating the need for any incision or splitting of the carcass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to access and measure internal tissue structures without physically disrupting the carcass. The sound waves penetrate through the skin and fat layers to provide imaging data from within the intact carcass, serving as a non-invasive mediator between the external probe and internal tissues.
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 allows for fast, efficient, and consistent measurement of fat and loin depths, enabling real-time sorting and valuation of carcasses, improving meat quality assessment and processing efficiency in packing plants.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic probe is presented to the carcass. The probe produces a response-provoking signal in the meat.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with measuring subcutaneous fat and loin depth in a portion of muscle tissue. Consistent with one such method a probe is presented to the portion of muscle tissue. The probe produces a response-provoking signal in the muscle tissue used to determine the fat and loin depth in the portion of muscle tissue.