Bidirectional Food Conveyor Belt Cleaning with Angular Scrapers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts in food production systems face challenges in cleaning residue, especially when changing direction, as existing methods are inefficient and complex, particularly in bidirectional systems where rollers are exposed to particulate and liquid residue.
Innovation Solution
A system with belt cleaning members, such as scrapers, that pivot to engage the conveyor belt at acute angles, combined with flexible chute members for easy mounting and removal, and a mechanism to reverse the conveyor belt direction upon metal detection to ensure thorough cleaning and residue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous cleaning is applied to bidirectional conveyor belts, then residue accumulation is prevented, but cleaning system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is mounted on a movable support structure that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The support structure includes actuators that enable the cleaning member to move between different cleaning positions and adjust its angle relative to the conveyor belt, allowing effective cleaning in both forward and reverse directions without requiring separate fixed cleaning systems for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
A single cleaning member is designed to perform multiple functions: it cleans the conveyor belt in both forward and reverse directions, can be positioned at different locations along the belt, and can adjust its cleaning angle. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems for bidirectional operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sanitation effectiveness
2Reliability
If cleaning members are fixed in position, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but maintenance and serviceability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is mounted on a movable support structure with actuators that enable it to move between a working position (where it contacts the conveyor belt for cleaning) and a retracted position (where it is removed from the cleaning path). This dynamic positioning allows the cleaning member to be easily accessed for maintenance, replacement, or adjustment without requiring shutdown of the entire conveyor system or complex disassembly procedures
3Reliability
If conveyor belt direction is reversed upon metal detection, then food safety is improved, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is equipped with a metal detector that automatically detects metal contaminants in the food product. When metal is detected, the system automatically reverses the conveyor belt direction without requiring manual intervention. The cleaning member continues to operate effectively in both directions, and the system automatically returns to normal forward operation after a predetermined time or distance, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and control
Data Source
AI summary
In a food conveyor system configured to drive a conveyor belt in one direction to direct food material for further processing and drive the conveyor belt in a reverse direction upon the sensing of metal in the food material, the conveyor belt is cleaned by one or more belt cleaners including scrapers which are automatically angularly repositioned upon the changing of the drive direction of the conveyor belt, with the angular movement being limited to acute angles relative to the vertical. The belt cleaners are mounted through linkage assemblies for ease of cleaning and replacement. The food conveyor system also employs one or more chute members for directing the food material, with the one or more chute members being mounted through a quick release connection employing keyhole slots upon flexing of the chute member(s).