Adjustable Breading Drum Assembly for Uniform Food Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breading machines face challenges in accommodating different breading modes, require multiple machines for varying breading types, suffer from inefficient transitions between modes, have issues with rotary drums causing food product sticking and uneven distribution, and have a variable footprint that increases production inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable breading machine with a frame, breading chamber, main and outfeed conveyors, and a rotatable drum assembly that can be adjusted between flat and drum modes without shutting down the production line, allowing for flexible operation and uniform breading distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single breading machine is used to accommodate different breading types and modes, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breading machine incorporates movable components including a rotatable drum assembly that can be adjusted between different positions, and a conveyor system with adjustable inclination angles. These dynamic elements allow the machine to transition between flat mode and drum mode operations, enabling it to handle different breading types without requiring multiple separate machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with a universal breading chamber that can accommodate both flat conveyor configuration and drum configuration. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: applying breading material in flat mode, applying breading material through drum rotation, and transitioning between these modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate machines for different breading operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drum assembly is used for breading application, then breading coverage is improved, but food product sticking to the drum occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly rotates periodically to apply breading material to the food product. The rotation creates a cyclic action where the drum surface continuously contacts and releases food products, ensuring uniform breading application while preventing sticking through the periodic motion that prevents prolonged contact in any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional stationary breading mechanisms with a rotating drum system. This mechanical substitution allows the breading material to be applied more uniformly through the rotation motion, and the drum can be designed with specific surface properties or coatings that prevent food product sticking while maintaining effective breading transfer.
3Productivity
If the conveyor inclination is adjusted to move food product, then production efficiency is improved, but food product distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system employs different inclination angles in different sections of the breading chamber. The upper section may have a steeper inclination to move food product efficiently, while the lower section has a gentler slope to ensure uniform distribution. This localized variation in conveyor characteristics allows each area to optimize for its specific function, balancing productivity with distribution uniformity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable breading machine for applying a coating material onto a food product, the machine includes a frame and a breading chamber enclosure through which the food product travels along the food path to receive a coating material. The adjustable breading machine may also include a hopper fixedly connected to the frame to deliver a coating material into the breading chamber enclosure. At least partially within the breading chamber enclosure is a main conveyor and an outfeed conveyor. In a first mode of operation, the outfeed conveyor lies in the food path and receives food product from the main conveyor. The adjustable breading machine includes a drum assembly operatively disposed above the outfeed conveyor having a rotatable drum for transporting food product and coating material to the outfeed conveyor. The adjustable breading machine also includes a drum adjustment assembly for moving the drum assembly between modes of operation.