Wishbone Removal Knife Cage for Poultry Meat Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing poultry carcass parts fail to maximize meat yield and often result in bone splinters remaining on or in the carcass, particularly when dealing with pre-broken wishbones.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a primary knife and two secondary knives to disconnect the wishbone from membranas and ligaments, with a tertiary knife forming a cage to trap and remove the wishbone, minimizing bone splinters and enhancing meat retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing methods are used to remove wishbones, then the wishbone can be removed from the carcass, but bone splinters remain on or in the carcass parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wishbone from the carcass using a specialized tool that separates the wishbone from the membrana while keeping the meat intact. The tool includes a primary knife for cutting the membrana and secondary knives for removing the wishbone, effectively extracting the bone without leaving splinters in the meat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary between the wishbone and the carcass. This tool includes multiple knives arranged in a specific configuration that allows controlled separation of the wishbone from the membrana, preventing direct contact that would cause splintering.
2Productivity
If cutting tools are used to remove wishbones, then the wishbone can be detached, but meat is lost along with the bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different knife configurations for different functions: the primary knife cuts the membrana with a cutting edge, while secondary knives have specific geometries designed to remove the wishbone without contacting the meat. This localized differentiation of tool properties prevents meat loss while achieving wishbone removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting methods with a more sophisticated multi-knife system that uses precise geometric arrangements and controlled movements to separate the wishbone from the carcass without relying on forceful cutting that would damage the meat.
3Ease of operation
If pre-broken wishbones are processed, then the removal process is simplified, but bone splinters are more likely to remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of pre-broken wishbones into a benefit by using the broken state to facilitate easier access and removal. The broken wishbone structure allows the tool to engage more effectively, and the controlled removal process actually reduces splintering compared to attempting to remove intact broken bones with less precise methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for processing a carcass-part of slaughtered poultry in a processing line can include a tool having a primary knife and two secondary knives arranged on opposite sides of a bottom knife to disconnect a wishbone. A tertiary knife can be positionable adjacent to the two secondary knives on a side of the blades opposite to the side where the primary knife is positioned or positionable so as to define a cage for trapping the wishbone in the cage.