Dough Feeding Device with Differential Conveyor Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed devices for dough blanks require additional steps for stretching, measuring, and aligning, leading to increased production and assembly costs and time delays, as they often necessitate separate devices for processing different sizes of dough blanks.
Innovation Solution
A feed device comprising a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt connected in series, where the second conveyor belt operates at a higher speed to stretch and align dough blanks, with a sensor system to determine and adjust the length of dough blanks, allowing for sorting of undersized or oversized blanks during the feeding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional devices are provided for stretching, measuring and aligning dough blanks between the feeding device and processing device, then the dough blanks can be properly prepared for processing, but the production and assembly costs increase and time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stretching, measuring, and aligning functions into the feeding device itself by using a two-conveyor belt system. The first conveyor belt feeds dough blanks while the second conveyor belt stretches and aligns them simultaneously during transfer, eliminating the need for separate stretching and measuring devices that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding device is designed to perform multiple functions: feeding dough blanks, stretching them through differential conveyor speeds, measuring their length via sensor detection, and aligning them parallel to the conveying direction. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional devices are provided for stretching, measuring and aligning dough blanks, then proper preparation is achieved, but the production time increases due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The dough blanks undergo stretching, measuring, and aligning continuously during the feeding process itself, rather than through separate discrete steps. The differential speed between the two conveyor belts continuously stretches the dough as it transfers, while sensors continuously measure length, maintaining uninterrupted production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching and aligning actions are performed preliminarily during the feeding stage before the dough blanks reach the processing device. This preliminary preparation ensures that all necessary adjustments are made early in the process, eliminating the need for additional preparation steps later.
3Productivity
If the speed of the second conveyor belt is higher than the first conveyor belt to stretch dough blanks, then stretching and aligning are achieved during transfer, but the coefficient of static friction must be increased to prevent the conveyor belt from running empty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different friction characteristics to different conveyor belts locally. The second conveyor belt is specifically designed with a higher coefficient of static friction compared to the first conveyor belt, creating localized friction properties where needed to prevent slippage during the high-speed stretching operation.
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
This solution simplifies and accelerates the manufacturing process by integrating stretching, measuring, and aligning functions within the feeding device, reducing production costs and time by enabling efficient sorting and processing of dough blanks of varying sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the coefficient of static friction of the at least one second conveyor belt is higher than the coefficient of static friction of the first conveyor belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Feeding device for dough pieces (3, 3'), preferably preformed dough strands for pretzel production comprises a first conveyor belt (1) and at least a second conveyor belt (2) connected in a series, where the dough pieces are arranged on the first conveyor belt to begin the feeding process, and transferred on the second conveyor belt from the first conveyor belt. The rate of the second belt is higher than the rate of the first belt, and the dough pieces are oriented straight and parallel to the conveying direction of the second belt during the transfer from the first belt to the second belt. Feeding device for dough pieces (3, 3'), preferably preformed dough strands for pretzel production comprises a first conveyor belt (1) and at least a second conveyor belt (2) connected in a series, where the dough pieces are arranged on the first conveyor belt to begin the feeding process, and transferred on the second conveyor belt from the first conveyor belt. The rate of the second conveyor belt is higher than the rate of the first conveyor belt by a predetermined measurement, and the dough pieces are oriented straight and parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt during the transfer from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. An independent claim is also included for feeding the dough pieces into a device for processing the dough pieces, comprising arranging the dough pieces on the first conveyor belt to begin the feeding process, and transferring the dough pieces from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt.