Adhesive Frame Joints in Food Processing Machines

Solution Overview

Problem

Weld joints in food processing machines are susceptible to moisture retention and particle entrapment, which can lead to rust, corrosion, and bacterial contamination, compromising the cleanliness of stainless steel frames.

Innovation Solution

Using a non-metallic epoxy adhesive with high tensile strength to connect frame members instead of weld filler, ensuring that the adhesive is not exposed to water or food particulate, thus maintaining a smooth profile and reducing moisture-trapping areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If weld joints are used to connect frame members, then the structural strength and rigidity of the frame is improved, but moisture retention and particle entrapment occur leading to rust and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmoisture retention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical welding process with an adhesive bonding system. Specifically, a non-metallic adhesive is applied to the frame member ends and support component surfaces, then cured to form a strong bond that eliminates the need for weld filler material. This substitution removes the crevices and air pockets inherent in weld joints, preventing moisture and particle entrapment while maintaining structural integrity through the adhesive's bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite joining approach by combining mechanical interlocking features (recesses and protrusions) with chemical adhesive bonding. The support component includes a recess that receives an end portion of the frame member, creating a mechanical interlock, while non-metallic adhesive is applied to bond these components together. This composite approach provides both the strength of mechanical connection and the smooth, crevice-free surface of adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If weld joints are used to connect frame members, then the structural integrity is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to crevices and pits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical welding process with an adhesive bonding system. Specifically, a non-metallic adhesive is applied to the frame member ends and support component surfaces, then cured to form a strong bond that eliminates the need for weld filler material. This substitution removes the crevices and air pockets inherent in weld joints, preventing moisture and particle entrapment while maintaining structural integrity through the adhesive's bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If adhesive is used to bond frame members, then moisture and particle entrapment is reduced, but bonding strength may be insufficient compared to welding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle entrapmentVSAvoidbonding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite joining approach by combining mechanical interlocking features (recesses and protrusions) with chemical adhesive bonding. The support component includes a recess that receives an end portion of the frame member, creating a mechanical interlock, while non-metallic adhesive is applied to bond these components together. This composite approach provides both the strength of mechanical connection and the smooth, crevice-free surface of adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies using non-metallic adhesive with high tensile strength properties, indicating that the adhesive's material parameters are optimized to achieve sufficient bonding strength. The adhesive is applied in controlled amounts and cured under specific conditions to ensure the bond strength meets the structural requirements while maintaining the smooth profile advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The use of adhesive bonds between frame members in food processing machines minimizes moisture and particulate entrapment, enhancing the cleanliness and resistance to corrosion, while maintaining the structural integrity of the stainless steel frame.

Implementation Method 1

the frame members are joined together using adhesive rather than weld filler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9851044B2Adhesive connection of a support component between the ends of a frame member in a packaging machine

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 CP PACKAGING INC

AI summary

A food processing apparatus has a frame assembly in which frame members are joined using adhesive, such as an epoxy. The frame members are comprised of stainless steel and the adhesive is applied so that exterior surfaces of the stainless steel frame members are free of any adhesive residue. Adhesive may be used to join exterior frame members as well as interior frame members, such as those used to support mechanical components of the processing apparatus.