Adjustable Breading Machine With Rotatable Drum Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breading machines face challenges in accommodating different breading modes, requiring multiple machines for various types of coatings, suffer from inefficient transitions between modes, and have issues with food product sticking and uneven distribution, leading to production inefficiencies and potential product damage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable breading machine with a frame, breading chamber, main and outfeed conveyors, and a rotatable drum assembly that can switch between flat and drum modes without shutting down the production line, allowing for flexible operation and uniform coating distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single breading machine is designed for specific coating types, then coating application is simplified, but the machine cannot accommodate diverse breading modes and coating materials
Solution Approach 1:
The breading machine incorporates multiple functional components within a single unit, including a drum assembly for rolling coating, a conveyor system for transport, and an adjustable coating application mechanism. This multi-functional design enables the machine to handle various breading modes (flour coating, breadcrumb coating, cracker meal coating) and different food products without requiring separate dedicated machines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine features adjustable and movable components, including a rotatable drum assembly that can be positioned at different angles and heights, and a conveyor system with variable speed control. These dynamic elements allow the machine to adapt its configuration to accommodate different coating materials and application requirements, transforming a static machine into a flexible, reconfigurable system.
2Productivity
If multiple separate machines are used for different breading types, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but production line efficiency decreases and machine footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple breading application functions into a single integrated machine. The drum assembly, conveyor system, and coating application mechanisms are merged into one unified unit that can process different coating materials sequentially. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate machines, thereby improving production line efficiency and reducing the number of equipment transitions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated breading machine is designed with universal capability to handle various coating materials including flour, breadcrumbs, and cracker meal. The adjustable drum and conveyor system can be reconfigured to accommodate different coating types, allowing a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines while maintaining coating quality and production efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the drum assembly is fixed in position, then the structure is simplified, but the machine cannot adjust to different food products and coating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drum assembly is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to be moved to different locations and oriented at various angles relative to the conveyor system. This dynamic configuration capability enables the drum to be optimally positioned for different food product sizes, shapes, and coating requirements, while the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the overall structure to minimize added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum assembly is segmented from the main machine body, allowing it to be independently adjusted and repositioned. This segmentation enables flexible configuration of the drum relative to the conveyor system, permitting optimization for different coating applications without requiring complete redesign of the entire machine structure.
4Productivity
If the machine operates continuously without mode transitions, then productivity is maintained, but the machine cannot switch between different breading modes
Solution Approach 1:
The machine incorporates dynamically adjustable components including a rotatable drum assembly and variable speed conveyor system that can be modified during operation. These dynamic elements enable the machine to switch between different breading modes without requiring complete停机, as the drum can be repositioned and the conveyor speed adjusted to accommodate different coating materials and application rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with pre-configurable adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to prepare for mode transitions in advance. Adjustment components can be pre-positioned or pre-configured to enable quick switching between breading modes, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous production capability while adapting to different coating requirements.
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.