Die Assembly Pneumatic Starch Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing confectionery moulding process using starch-based trays faces issues with starch deposition on the tray edges and vertical sides, leading to incorrect stacking, cleaning challenges, and quality detraction due to starch falling onto machinery and potentially being deposited inside cavities.
Innovation Solution
A die assembly with a rectangular body and support portion, featuring mould members and gas ducts with outlets/inlets to direct gas streams for removing starch from the tray periphery, ensuring efficient cleaning and preventing starch from entering cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tray periphery is cleaned manually or by mechanical means, then starch removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cleaning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic systems with gas outlets positioned adjacent to the cavity to deliver controlled gas streams that remove starch from the tray periphery. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms while achieving effective starch removal through directed gas flow that blows starch away from critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the starch removal function from the main moulding process by positioning gas outlets specifically adjacent to the cavity. This targeted extraction of the cleaning function allows starch to be removed precisely where needed without interfering with the cavity formation or requiring complex integrated cleaning mechanisms.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If gas streams are used to remove starch from tray periphery, then starch deposition on machinery is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gas streams locally only where starch contamination is problematic - specifically from outlets positioned adjacent to the cavity and directed at the tray periphery. This localized application of pneumatic energy avoids wasting gas pressure on areas that don't require cleaning, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while effectively preventing starch from reaching machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas stream acts as an intermediary medium between the starch on the tray periphery and the machinery. By positioning outlets to deliver gas streams that blow starch away from the cavity and machinery, the system uses this gaseous intermediary to prevent direct contact between starch and machinery, reducing contamination without requiring direct mechanical intervention.
3Reliability
If the die assembly includes gas ducts and outlets for starch removal, then tray cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the starch removal function with the existing die assembly structure by integrating gas outlets and ducts into the die body. This consolidation combines the moulding and cleaning functions into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite adding pneumatic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The die assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both the moulding function (forming cavities in the tray) and the cleaning function (removing starch from the periphery). The gas outlets positioned adjacent to the cavity enable the same die assembly structure to perform dual functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated cleaning equipment and simplifying the overall system.
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
The solution effectively removes starch from the tray periphery, facilitating correct stacking and maintaining confectionery quality by preventing starch from contaminating the machinery and cavities, thus enhancing the production process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas outlet/gas inlet communicating with the duct so as to provide at least one gas stream to pass the tray periphery to remove the powder therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A die assembly (10) used with a tray (11) employed in a continuous confectionary stark moulding machine/process, in which a plurality of the trays (11) are used. The tray (11) is of a rectangular configuration and includes upwardly extending side walls (12) that surround a space (13) that receives starch, in powder form, typically the powder would be flour.