Water Jet Foreign Object Removal in Food Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing foreign objects like bones from meat pieces require significant manual intervention and are not fully automated, leading to inefficiencies in processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize X-ray analysis to detect foreign objects, followed by automatic conveyance to a cutting tool, which cuts around and ejects the object using a water jet, ensuring minimal manual input and no additional contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual inspection and removal methods are used, then foreign objects can be detected and removed, but significant manual input is required leading to processing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool automatically performs both the cutting operation and the foreign object removal without requiring separate manual operations. The system detects the foreign object location via X-ray, positions the cutting tool, and executes the removal autonomously, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it cuts around the foreign object to create an opening and then engages and ejects the foreign object itself. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate operations into a single automated tool, improving both automation extent and productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If a knife or sharp edged instrument is used for cutting, then precision cutting can be achieved, but the cross-section is small making foreign object engagement and ejection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting function and the engagement/ejection function into a single water jet tool. The water jet simultaneously performs precise cutting around the foreign object and provides sufficient cross-sectional area to engage and eject the foreign object, combining the advantages of precision and ease of operation that separate tools could not achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a water jet (hydraulic mechanism) instead of a mechanical knife. The water jet provides precise cutting capability while its larger cross-section compared to a knife blade enables easier engagement and ejection of foreign objects. The hydraulic nature of the water jet allows it to penetrate and engage the foreign object effectively
3Extent of automation
If robotic clamps or gravity are used to eject foreign objects, then automated removal can be achieved, but additional complex mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foreign object directly through the cut opening created by the water jet itself. The water jet creates an opening and then uses its own flow to engage and eject the foreign object through the same opening, eliminating the need for separate ejection mechanisms like robotic clamps or gravity-based systems. This extraction approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining full automation
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
Enables the efficient and automated removal of foreign objects from food pieces, reducing waste and ensuring the integrity of the remaining product, with the water jet's larger cross-section facilitating easy ejection without relying on gravity or robotic clamps.
Implementation Method 1
the cutting tool could be in the form of a knife or other sharp edged instrument but preferably comprises a liquid jet such as a water jet
Implementation Method 2
the location of a foreign object in a food piece is detected using X-ray analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing a foreign object from a food piece detects the location of a foreign object in a food piece (10); conveys the food piece to a cutting tool (42); and operates the cutting tool to cut around the detected location of the foreign object and subsequently to engage and eject the foreign object from the food piece.