Chain Cutter With Multiple Die Cavities for Gum Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain cutters for center-filled gum products face efficiency issues due to the need for reduced speed to maintain proper sealing, which results in decreased production output, and they typically use fewer simultaneous closed dies, leading to potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A chain type cutting apparatus with a pair of continuous elongate rotary chains having multiple simultaneously closed die cavity portions, allowing for increased speed and output while maintaining a sufficient dwell time for effective sealing, with the chains supported by rollers and a pressure plate for engagement, and the ability to increase the number and length of closed die cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chain die rotation is slowed to maintain satisfactory dwell time for sealing, then sealing quality is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain cutter is divided into multiple separate die cavities (at least 10 simultaneously closed dies) distributed along the chain, allowing the system to process multiple pieces simultaneously. This segmentation enables maintaining adequate dwell time for each piece while increasing overall production throughput by parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single die cavity processing one piece at a time to multiple die cavities arranged along the chain, adding a spatial dimension to the sealing process. This allows simultaneous sealing of multiple pieces at different positions along the chain, increasing productivity without compromising the dwell time required for proper sealing at each position.
2Productivity
If the number of simultaneously closed dies is increased to improve output, then production efficiency increases, but the complexity of the chain cutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary chain structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the cutting mechanism, maintains the dwell time through its rotation speed, and houses multiple die cavities for parallel processing. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as a single component (the chain) performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous rotation of the chain cutter provides uninterrupted cutting and sealing action, with multiple die cavities ensuring that useful work is performed continuously throughout the rotation cycle. This continuous operation maximizes productivity while the standardized chain structure keeps the system relatively simple compared to intermittent or batch processing systems.
3Productivity
If the chain length is increased to improve output, then production efficiency increases, but the dwell time control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of chain rotation speed to maintain optimal dwell time despite variations in chain length and number of die cavities. The rotation speed can be adjusted to ensure that each die cavity maintains the required dwell time for proper sealing, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations and maximize productivity without compromising seal quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention includes a chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individual pieces, which includes a first continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second die cavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavity about a rope of center filled consumable product, forming pieces. The invention incorporates four main variables, dwell time, chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities in simultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increase the output of the product, as well as maintain a satisfactory seal of the center-filled consumable product.