Integrated Weighing Hook for Sausage Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sausage production processes face disruptions and inefficiencies due to the need for separate weighing systems, which require additional space, increase installation costs, and cause production interruptions, while also risking sausage slippage during transport, leading to inconsistent portion weights and production delays.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a weighing device within the suspension device, allowing for direct weighing of sausages on hooks without removing them, enabling both manual and automatic weighing processes, and providing flexibility in machine placement without additional space or installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate weighing system is used, then weighing function is provided, but additional space and installation costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing functionVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing device is integrated into the hanging device by incorporating a load cell directly into the hook structure. The hook itself becomes the weighing element, eliminating the need for separate weighing equipment and reducing space requirements while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanging hook is designed to serve dual functions: mechanically suspending the sausage and simultaneously measuring its weight through the integrated load cell. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated weighing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a separate weighing system is used, then weighing function is provided, but production interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing functionVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated weighing system allows continuous weighing of sausages as they are hung on the hook without requiring removal or interruption of the production flow. The weight measurement occurs automatically during the normal hanging operation, maintaining continuous production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs weighing automatically as part of the hanging process itself. The load cell continuously measures weight as the sausage is suspended, eliminating the need for separate manual weighing steps and keeping the production process self-sufficient and continuous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If sausages are transported to a separate weighing device, then weighing is possible, but sausage slippage occurs and portion accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportion accuracyVSAvoidsausage position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing function is extracted from a separate device and embedded directly into the hanging hook structure. This eliminates the transport step that causes slippage, as the sausage is weighed in situ while already suspended on the hook without any movement or handling transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 integration enhances production efficiency by reducing production interruptions, improving portion accuracy, and increasing operator workflow efficiency, while allowing for precise weight determination and flexible machine placement, thus reducing costs and errors.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sausage (2) on at least one hanging hook (8) is weighed by the weighing device (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3321647B1Weighing system
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHFABRICK
  • EP3321647B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321647B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321647B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a

AI summary

The invention relates to a hanging device, a filling machine with such a hanging device, and an operating method for hanging sausages, in particular sausage chains, with several circumferential hanging hooks. The hanging device includes an integrated weighing device for weighing at least one sausage or at least one sausage chain.