Dough Alignment Device Using Kinematic Handling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacing and alignment devices for dough in rolled-up food product production lines are complex, difficult to synchronize, require complete structural replacement when dough dimensions or numbers change, and have limited speed and large dimensions, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A spacing and alignment device with a supporting framework and kinematically connected handling elements that can move perpendicularly to engage and rotate dough portions, using linear actuators and a rack-and-pinion system to synchronize movement with the conveyor belt speed, allowing for quick configuration changes and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spacing and alignment devices with handling elements moved by chains along closed curved paths are used, then the dough shapes can be rotated and aligned, but the device becomes structurally complicated and difficult to synchronize
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into independent modular units: a conveyor belt for transporting dough shapes, and separate rotating elements (such as drums or rollers with grip surfaces) that independently engage and rotate the dough shapes. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex closed curved chain paths while maintaining alignment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it transports the dough shapes, positions them, and works in conjunction with rotating elements to achieve alignment. The rotating elements can be adjusted to handle different shapes and sizes, providing universal applicability without requiring complete structural replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire supporting structure is replaced to accommodate changes in dough dimensions or numbers, then the device can adapt to new configurations, but the adaptation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components such as variable-speed motors on the conveyor belt and rotating elements, adjustable grip element positions, and interchangeable rotating drums. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to different dough dimensions and quantities without requiring complete structural replacement, enabling quick reconfiguration through parameter adjustment rather than physical replacement.
3Reliability
If mechanical handling elements moved along closed curved paths are used, then the dough shapes can be rotated, but the device speed is limited by mechanical movement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical chain-driven closed curved path system with an independently controlled conveyor belt and rotating elements driven by variable-speed motors. This substitution allows for more precise speed control and higher operating speeds while maintaining reliable rotation through direct motor control rather than mechanical constraint.
4Reliability
If conventional spacing and alignment devices are used, then the dough shapes can be aligned, but the device occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the conveyor function and the alignment/rotation function into a single integrated device. The conveyor belt and rotating elements work together in a compact arrangement, eliminating the need for separate handling and alignment devices. This merging reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining the alignment function.
Data Source
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Figure 3~6
AI summary
A spacing and alignment device (1), particularly for portions of dough, comprising a supporting framework (2), which is associated with a line (3) for conveying at least one continuous ribbon (100) of dough, for means for cutting the continuous ribbon of dough into portions of dough (6); the spacing device comprises a supporting structure (7) for at least one handling element (8), which is connected kinematically to an actuation device (9) and can move along an actuation direction which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the portions of dough in order to pass from a disengagement condition, in which the handling element (8) is spaced from the portions of dough, to an engagement condition, in which the handling element engages at least one portion of a respective portion of dough; means for moving the handling element are also provided which are adapted to turn the handling element, at least in the engagement condition, about a rotation axis which is substantially parallel to the actuation direction.