Automatic Cutting Apparatus for Pasta Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting apparatuses in pasta and snack production require significant manual intervention for replacing or mounting cutting accessories, leading to productivity losses due to the need for stopping the production line.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cutting apparatus with an electronic control and actuation system, including a rotary motion actuated by an electric motor, allows for fully automated mounting and control of cutting accessories, ensuring reliability and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for mounting or replacement of cutting accessories, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to significant stoppage of the pasta production line
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting accessory mounting system is designed to be self-servicing through automated mechanical components. The die can be automatically positioned and secured onto the extruder using mechanical self-aligning features and automated clamping mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dies are pre-positioned on the annular support structure before the production line stops. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid die changing by simply rotating the annular support to bring the next die into position, significantly reducing changeover time and maintaining high productivity
2Loss of time
If manual operations are used for mounting or replacement of cutting accessories, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to significant stoppage of the pasta production line
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dies are pre-positioned on the annular support structure before the production line stops. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid die changing by simply rotating the annular support to bring the next die into position, significantly reducing changeover time and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The annular support structure is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic repositioning of dies during operation. This dynamic capability enables quick die changes without stopping the production line, minimizing time loss while managing system complexity through controlled motion
3Productivity
If automated mounting of cutting accessories is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing stoppage time, but device complexity increases due to automated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting accessory mounting system is designed to be self-servicing through automated mechanical components. The die can be automatically positioned and secured onto the extruder using mechanical self-aligning features and automated clamping mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The annular support structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple dies, provides rotational positioning capability, and integrates with the automated control system. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single integrated mechanism, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
4Loss of time
If automated mounting of cutting accessories is implemented, then loss of time is reduced by minimizing production line stoppage, but device complexity increases due to automated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dies are pre-positioned on the annular support structure before the production line stops. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid die changing by simply rotating the annular support to bring the next die into position, significantly reducing changeover time and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The annular support structure is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic repositioning of dies during operation. This dynamic capability enables quick die changes without stopping the production line, minimizing time loss while managing system complexity through controlled motion
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 apparatus enables rapid and reliable mounting of cutting accessories, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of accidents and damage during operation, thereby enhancing production efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, characterised in that said actuation means comprise: a control and actuation element of the electronic type; means for detecting the operating torque of said electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic cutting apparatus, applicable to presses for making pasta or to extruders for making snacks includes a main supporting structure, an annular support having a vertical axis, a main shaft arranged coaxially to the annular support, and elements for actuating the main shaft with a rotary motion about its own axis. The annular support can be associated with a press for making pasta or an extruder for making snacks below a die that has a vertical axis and is connected to the outlet of the press or of the extruder, or below a cutting accessory that is interposed between the die and annular support. The main shaft can be coupled to at least one blade that is adapted to act on the lower die face or with at least one blade of the cutting accessory.