Batter Applicator Vertical Submerger Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batter applicators require cumbersome manual adjustments of mechanical fasteners to change the spacing between the batter tank and submerger or curtain generating mechanism, making it difficult to achieve precise adjustments, especially when processing different food sizes and viscosities, and these adjustments are challenging to perform while the machine is in use.
Innovation Solution
A batter applicator with a vertically adjustable submerger or coating mechanism using a rotatable shaft, gearbox, screw lift assembly, and hand wheel, or a lifting device with lift pins, allowing for precise vertical positioning of the submerger or overflow structure relative to the main batter tank, enabling easy adjustments without the need for manual bolt manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual bolt adjustment is used to change spacing, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome adjustments requiring separate tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual bolt adjustment mechanism with a motorized linear actuator that uses an electric motor to drive a lead screw or ball screw mechanism. This substitution transforms the manual mechanical adjustment into an automated electrical control system, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a control panel with buttons or a touchscreen interface that allows the operator to directly control the actuator movement without requiring separate adjustment tools. The machine serves itself by having the control system directly interface with the actuator, eliminating the need for external tools and simplifying the adjustment process.
2Ease of operation
If four bolts are used to support the submerger, then the structure is stable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to adjust all four bolts equally and move from side to side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the four separate bolt adjustment operations into a single actuator movement. The linear actuator simultaneously adjusts the position of the submerger assembly, which includes all four support points, eliminating the need to individually adjust each bolt and reducing the time required for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic actuated mechanism. The linear actuator provides continuous, smooth movement of the submerger assembly, allowing for real-time positioning adjustments without the discrete, time-consuming steps of loosening and tightening multiple bolts.
3Productivity
If the machine must be stopped for adjustments, then safety is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to downtime during spacing changes
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator is designed to allow adjustments to be made while the machine is running. The actuated mechanism can be quickly repositioned without requiring a shutdown, maintaining productivity while incorporating safety features such as emergency stop buttons and guarded adjustment areas to ensure operator safety during operation.
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
Facilitates easy and precise adjustments of the coating mechanism, improving operational efficiency and reducing operator effort, as the mechanism can be adjusted while the machine is in use, ensuring uniform batter application across various food types and viscosities.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable shaft operably coupled to a gear box, a screw lift assembly operably coupled to the gear box and a hand wheel operably coupled to the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising a submerger or an overflow structure positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank. The actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled to a gear box, a screw lift assembly operably coupled to the gear box and a hand wheel operably coupled to the shaft.