Cheese Dosing Plate Horizontal Transfer Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cheese production apparatuses expose curd blocks to mechanical forces during transfer, leading to defects such as broken-off bits and pinholes.
Innovation Solution
A dosing plate coupled with operating means to support the curd block during transfer, allowing it to be pulled away horizontally and directly positioned above a cheese mold, eliminating the need for separate sluice and transfer plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the curd block is transferred using separate sluice plates and transfer plates, then the transfer process can be implemented, but the curd block is exposed to mechanical forces causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the base for the curd column during draining, the dosing device for cutting curd blocks, the transfer platform for moving curd blocks to the cheese mold, and the protective surface during transfer. By merging these separate functions into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate sluice plates and transfer plates, thereby reducing mechanical exposure and preventing curd block defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing plate is designed as a multi-functional element that performs draining support, curd block dosing, and transfer operations. This universal design allows the same component to handle multiple process stages without requiring additional specialized components, thus minimizing the number of times the curd block is exposed to mechanical forces.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (sluice plates, transfer plates) are used for transfer, then the transfer function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components (draining column base, dosing device, sluice plates, transfer plates) into a single integrated dosing plate structure. This merging reduces the total number of components in the system, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the transfer function through the dosing plate's horizontal movement capability.
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
Reduces the risk of curd block damage by minimizing mechanical forces and ensuring a direct, smooth transfer, thereby preventing defects like broken-off bits and pinholes.
Implementation Method 1
supporting means are provided for supporting a curd block during a movement of the sliding sleeve from the first to the second position
Implementation Method 2
sliding sleeve is horizontally reciprocable between a first position just under the draining column and a second position above a set-up point for a cheese mold
Implementation Method 3
a dosing device is placed, which comprises a horizontally acting guillotine blade. The guillotine blade closes off the column, but is periodically opened
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E~2G
AI summary
An apparatus for making cheese, comprising at least one vertical tubular draining column for receiving and draining cheese curd, provided with a dosing device for cutting off and discharging curd blocks, which dosing device comprises a dosing plate (23) vertically reciprocable in a sliding sleeve (22), for taking over a curd column operatively situated in the draining column and for positioning a cut-off curd block in the sliding sleeve, which is horizontally reciprocable between a first position under the draining column and a second position above a cheese mold, wherein supporting means are provided for supporting a curd block during a movement of the sliding sleeve, as well as operating means for removing the supporting means when the sliding sleeve is in the second position, wherein the dosing plate is further designed as supporting means for a curd block during the movement of the sliding sleeve, wherein the dosing plate is coupled with the operating means, such that the dosing plate can be pulled away horizontally from under the curd block when the sliding sleeve is in the second position.