Conveyor Belt Gap Design for Coating Mass Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the production of confectionery and similar food products, the existing methods for coating and decorating result in contamination and mixing of coating and decorating masses, leading to high costs and time-consuming cleaning processes due to the need for complete replacement of masses.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conveyor belt system that uses deflection devices to create a gap between the decorating unit and a collection trough, preventing excess decorating mass from mixing with the coating mass, and includes adjustable deflection profiles to accommodate different product sizes and prevent product damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single collection trough is used for both coating and decorating masses, then the device structure is simple, but the coating and decorating masses mix and contaminate each other
Solution Approach 1:
The single collection trough is segmented into two separate collection areas: a first collection area for receiving excess coating mass and a second collection area for receiving excess decorating mass. This segmentation allows both masses to be collected simultaneously without mixing, maintaining mass separation purity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If the conveyor belt is positioned directly above the collection trough, then the device structure is simple, but excess coating mass drips into the decorating mass collection area causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is positioned at a raised height above the collection trough, creating a vertical dimensional separation. The first collection area is positioned to receive dripping coating mass from the raised conveyor belt, while the second collection area remains protected from contamination. This vertical dimensionality change prevents harmful dripping without requiring complex horizontal positioning adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate collection troughs are used for coating and decorating masses, then mass contamination is prevented, but the device structure becomes complex and cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate collection functions are merged into a single integrated collection trough structure. The first and second collection areas are positioned adjacent to each other within the same trough, allowing both masses to be collected separately while sharing common structural support and cleaning access. This merging reduces device complexity and enables more efficient cleaning compared to completely separate troughs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveyor belt is raised to prevent dripping, then coating mass contamination is reduced, but product stability during transport may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The first collection area acts as an intermediary structure positioned between the raised conveyor belt and the second collection area. It intercepts and collects excess coating mass that drips from the raised conveyor belt, preventing it from reaching the decorating mass collection area or the products. This intermediary structure enables the conveyor belt to be raised for better separation while maintaining product stability through proper support design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for decorating products coated with a first flowable compound with at least a second flowable compound without the two flowable compounds mixing together. The device comprises a conveyor belt for transporting the products, a unit for distributing the second flowable compound onto the products, and a collection container for the second flowable compound, which is arranged below the unit for distributing the second flowable compound. The conveyor belt is guided in the area of the collection container by means of several deflection devices and can, in particular, be guided around the collection container, with an adjustable gap being formed between two upper deflection devices of the conveyor belt.