Coupling Device for Automated Baked Goods Conveyor Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The full automation of baking machines without significant labor usage faces challenges such as feasibility, increased costs, and regulatory compliance, particularly in the context of efficiently processing and dispensing baked goods.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a processing unit with a storage belt, an output unit with a storage belt, and an operating device with a coupling mechanism that allows for the exchange of products between the operating and storage belts, utilizing a drive unit and sensors for precise alignment and operation, while maintaining hygiene and reducing manual labor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If full automation is implemented without significant human intervention, then productivity and hygiene are improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: processing units with conveyor belts for product handling, dispensing units for product distribution, and operating devices with coupling mechanisms for belt interchange. This segmentation allows complex automation to be managed through independent, standardized components that can be controlled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operating device's conveyor belt and the processing/dispensing units' conveyor belts. It enables automatic product transfer and belt exchange without human intervention, mediating the interaction between different system components while maintaining automated operation.
2Reliability
If conveyor belts are made of metal for robustness and heat resistance, then reliability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections or areas of the conveyor belt system may use different materials optimized for their specific functions. Metal belts are used where heat resistance and robustness are critical (such as in processing units), while other areas may use lighter materials appropriate for their requirements, optimizing the overall system without unnecessary weight throughout.
3Temperature
If conveyor belts have cutouts for air circulation and cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but structural strength and hygiene may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belts incorporate cutouts or porous structures that allow air circulation through the belt material. This enables efficient cooling of products (particularly baked goods) as air flows through the cutouts, while the overall belt structure maintains sufficient integrity through the design and distribution of these openings.
4Ease of operation
If belts are designed to be removable without tools for quick replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belts are designed as segmented or modular components with standardized connection interfaces. This allows belts to be quickly removed and replaced without tools, while the standardized interfaces ensure precise alignment and reliable connections during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow for quick attachment and detachment. The coupling device enables belts to be connected and disconnected rapidly while maintaining precise positioning through mechanical guides or alignment features inherent in the design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
Device (10) for processing products (100), in particular baked goods, comprising: at least one processing unit (40) having at least one conveyor belt (41) and configured to process the products (100); at least one dispensing unit (50) having at least one conveyor belt (51) and configured to dispense the products (100); at least one operating device (20) configured to transport the products (100); wherein the operating device (20) has at least one conveyor belt (21) and at least one coupling device (30); wherein the conveyor belt (21) is configured to store the products (100);wherein the coupling device (30) is configured to couple the operating belt (21) with a storage belt (41, 51) in order to exchange the products (100) with the coupled storage belt (41, 51), and wherein the coupling device (30) has at least one drive unit (23) configured to drive at least one storage belt (41, 51) coupled to the operating device (20).