Rotary Dough Molding Machine Independent Roller Drive Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary dough molding machines face challenges in adjusting the gap between the die roller and feed roller due to suboptimal alignment, leading to product weight imbalances and contamination issues, requiring complex and costly mechanical linkages that compromise hygiene.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of independent drives for the adjustable roller, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of the gap between the die roller and feed roller, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and enhancing hygiene by separating drives from the dough path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used to transfer actuator motion to both sides of the machine, then the gap adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases and hygiene standards deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two independent sides, each with its own actuator and drive mechanism. The first actuator adjusts the gap at the first side, while the second actuator adjusts the gap at the second side independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages to synchronize both sides, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with independent drive mechanisms on each side. Instead of using mechanical components to transfer and synchronize motion across the machine, each side has its own motorized actuator that independently controls the gap adjustment, eliminating contamination-prone mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used to transfer actuator motion, then gap adjustment is possible, but hygiene standards worsen due to dough contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful mechanical linkages that extend into the dough feeding space are completely removed from the system. Each side of the machine has its own independent actuator positioned outside the dough path, eliminating the source of contamination while preserving the gap adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the contamination-prone mechanical linkage system with independent motorized actuators on each side. These actuators are positioned such that they do not extend into the dough feeding space, eliminating the hygiene issue while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If factory assembly alignment is performed, then initial setup is completed, but time is lost and inaccuracies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gap adjustment system is made dynamic and adjustable during operation rather than being fixed during factory assembly. Independent actuators on each side allow for real-time adjustment of the gap width, enabling the machine to adapt to variations in dough properties and maintain optimal performance without time-consuming realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changeable gap width parameters through independent actuators on each side of the machine. This allows the gap width to be adjusted during operation based on actual production requirements, replacing the static factory assembly alignment with a dynamic parameter adjustment capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If independent drives are used for each end of the adjustable roller, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent actuators for each side of the machine. Each actuator controls the gap adjustment at its respective side independently, allowing for precise local adjustment without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms. This segmentation actually reduces overall system complexity compared to a centralized linkage system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary dough molding machine (10), comprising - a frame (6), - a die roller (4) and a feed roller (5) rotatably mounted to the frame (6) and - adjusting means for adjusting the gap between die roller (4) and feed roller (5), wherein one of the rollers (4, 5), preferably the feed roller (5), is an adjustable roller, which is movable relative to the frame (6) by the adjusting means, wherein the adjusting means comprise - a first drive (1) acting on the first end (51) of the adjustable roller (5) causing a movement of said first end (51) in a first direction (x) transverse to the rotational axis (50) of the adjustable roller (5), and - a second drive (2) acting on the second end (52) of the adjustable roller (5) causing a movement of said second end (52) in a second direction (x') that is essentially parallel to the first direction (x).