Adjustable Inversion Guide for Tofu Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tofu production devices face issues with tofu cracking or chipping during inversion due to excessive momentum, and the need for frequent adjustments in guide plates to accommodate varying tofu sizes and packs, leading to reduced processing capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inversion guide device with an adjustable endless conveyor that supports tofu along a track, featuring a position adjustment unit, guide member, and stopper members to control the inversion process, ensuring synchronized speeds and preventing tofu from falling, while allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed curved guide plate is used to guide tofu at the turn-back portion, then the tofu can be guided along the conveyor, but the tofu gains excessive momentum and is cracked or chipped by impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed guide plate with an adjustable guide plate that can be positioned at different distances from the turn-back portion. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the guide plate to adapt to different tofu types and conveyor speeds, reducing impact momentum while maintaining effective guidance. The guide plate position can be optimized to balance between providing sufficient guidance and minimizing the speed increase that causes impact damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the guide plate position is adjusted to reduce impact on tofu, then tofu damage is reduced, but the processing capacity decreases due to slower inversion
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable guide plate allows dynamic optimization of the balance between tofu protection and processing speed. By positioning the guide plate at an optimal distance, the system can provide gentle guidance that prevents damage while still enabling efficient inversion. The adjustability ensures that processing capacity is maximized within the constraints of tofu integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the guide plate to optimize both tofu protection and processing efficiency. By adjusting the distance between the guide plate and turn-back portion, the system can modify the guidance intensity and inversion timing, achieving a parameter optimization that simultaneously reduces damage and maintains productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide plate is replaced or adjusted to accommodate different tofu sizes and packs, then versatility is improved, but working efficiency deteriorates due to frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable guide plate design provides universal applicability across different tofu types, sizes, and pack configurations. Rather than requiring multiple specialized guide plates, a single adjustable unit can accommodate all variations by simply changing its position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for frequent replacement operations while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the guide plate position enables the system to adapt to different product specifications without requiring physical replacement of components. The guide plate can be quickly repositioned to match different tofu sizes and pack types, providing versatility while minimizing interruption to production flow and maintaining high working efficiency.
4Strength
If coagulant amount is increased to harden tofu, then tofu strength is improved, but heat sterilization causes large water separation and taste loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical approach (increasing coagulant) with a mechanical solution (optimized guidance and reduced impact). By improving the physical handling and reducing impact forces during inversion, the system achieves adequate tofu strength without requiring excessive coagulant. This preserves the tofu's natural properties and prevents water separation and taste loss during subsequent heat sterilization.
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 solution enables smooth inversion of multiple tofu cakes, preventing damage and increasing processing capacity by reducing the impact of gravity and accommodating various tofu sizes and packs, thus enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the guide plate guides the tofu on the basis of the gravity acting on the tofu at the turn-back portion of the transfer conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
An inversion guide device is configured to guide tofu conveyed by a transfer conveyor and inverted by a turn-back portion at one end of the transfer conveyor. The inversion guide device includes an endless conveyor configured to support the tofu along a track of the turn-back portion and guide the tofu while being driven in a circulating manner.