Variable Length Poultry Conveyor Segments for Station Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poultry processing systems face challenges in optimizing processing station parameters independently, as changes in conveying speed affect holding periods across all stations, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in adapting to varying production conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for controlled variable processing portion lengths at each station, enabling independent adjustment of holding periods without affecting other stations, using a control device to manage these lengths in real-time and maintain a constant conveying speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the conveying speed is varied to adapt the holding period in one processing station, then the holding period in that station is improved, but the holding periods in all other processing stations are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor line is divided into multiple independently controllable conveying portions, each associated with a specific processing station. Each conveying portion can be independently adjusted in length and speed, allowing the holding period at each station to be optimized without affecting other stations. This segmentation enables localized control rather than global speed changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying portions are designed with variable speed capability and adjustable lengths. The system dynamically adapts the conveying speed and portion lengths based on specific processing requirements at different stations, allowing real-time optimization of holding periods independently at each processing location.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the processing portion lengths are manually adjusted to optimize holding periods, then the processing parameters are improved, but the operational complexity and time required are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control units that automatically monitor and adjust the conveying portion lengths and speeds. The control unit receives feedback from processing requirements and autonomously optimizes the holding periods at each station, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal processing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is designed to automatically self-adjust its operational parameters. The control unit manages the variable speed drives and portion length adjustments without operator input, allowing the system to self-optimize holding periods based on pre-programmed processing requirements or real-time feedback.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the conveying speed is changed to adapt holding period, then the processing time is improved, but the throughput of the production plant is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conveyor into independently controllable portions, each station can have its holding period optimized without requiring a global speed change. This allows the overall throughput to be maintained at high levels while individual stations receive the specific processing time they need through localized speed and length adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for processing poultry has at least one overhead conveying device which is designed for conveying the poultry with a predefined conveying speed, which forms a conveyor line and is configured for transporting the poultry suspended by the legs. A plurality of processing stations are arranged along the conveyor line. The conveyor line has processing conveyor portions at each of the processing stations for processing poultry, and at least two of the processing portion lengths of each of the processing conveyor portions are configured to be controlledly variable. A method for processing poultry is also provided.