Adjustable Mechanical Stop for Die Spacing Control in Food Baking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food baking systems lack precise control over die spacing and pressure, leading to inconsistent product texture and crispness, as they rely on mechanical stops that are not adjustable or easily fine-tunable, resulting in irregular expansion and quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mechanical stop system with movable and rotatable mounting elements and protrusions allows for customizable die spacing, enabling precise control over the compression process through manual or motorized adjustment, ensuring consistent product quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed mechanical stops are used to prevent die contact, then plastified material escape is prevented, but die spacing control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed mechanical stops with an adjustable positioning system. The die spacing can be dynamically modified through adjustable positioning means, allowing the system to adapt to different production requirements while maintaining reliable prevention of plastified material escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling continuous adjustment of die spacing parameters. The positioning system allows modification of spatial parameters (distance between dies) while maintaining the functional parameter (prevention of material escape) through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable mechanical stops are implemented, then die spacing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a positioning system that serves multiple functions: it prevents die contact, controls die spacing precision, and allows adjustment for different product requirements. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stop systems with an adjustable positioning system that may incorporate automated control mechanisms. This substitution simplifies the overall structure while maintaining or improving precision control capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous adjustment capability is provided, then product quality consistency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling operators to independently adjust die spacing using the provided positioning means. The system is designed to be self-adjustable without requiring complex calibration procedures or specialized knowledge, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for improvingly controlling the production of food products from granular raw materials such as for instance cereal rice formed into crackers. More in particular, the invention relates to an adjustable mechanical stop mechanism for better controlling the distance between the dies where pressure-baking of food occurs, and to provide the possibility of adjustable distance between the dies in case of multiple compressions of the food material, for which different die spacings can then be installed, leading to very repeatable and unchanging food processing conditions and thus an improved and much more constant quality of end product such as a cracker.