Dough Shaping Projection Dynamics for Ring Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for forming ring-shaped dough pieces, such as croissants, fail to maintain precise end positioning and ensure a defined inner diameter, leading to inadequate fixing of overlapping ends and inability to process small dough pieces effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device with a holding jaw that guides the projection along a specific travel path to lift and then disengage from the dough piece, allowing for precise positioning and fixing of overlapping ends without interference, and using sliding surfaces on mold jaws to prevent damage during bending and ensure accurate shaping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the projection on the bending arm is positioned between the two overlapping ends to lift the dough end, then the lifting function is achieved, but the fixation of overlapping ends is inadequate due to reduced contact area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting functionVSAvoidfixation of overlapping ends
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is designed to move dynamically along the bending arm from an initial position between the overlapping ends to a final position at the free end. This dynamic repositioning allows the projection to first assist in lifting the dough end, then disengage to allow complete contact between overlapping ends during pressing, thereby resolving the contradiction between lifting function and fixation reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The projection's movement along the bending arm introduces a spatial dimension change, transitioning from a position that interferes with end contact to a position that allows optimal contact. This dimensional movement enables the system to fulfill both lifting and fixation functions without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the projection remains on the bending arm during the entire bending process, then the lifting function is maintained, but small dough pieces cannot be processed reliably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting functionVSAvoidprocessing capability for small dough pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The projection's dynamic movement along the bending arm allows it to be positioned optimally for different dough sizes. During the bending process, the projection can be moved to the free end position, providing sufficient space for small dough pieces to be bent and fixed without interference, thereby enabling reliable processing of various sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the overlapping ends are pressed together with a punch while the projection is still in position, then the pressing action is applied, but the contact area between dough surfaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing actionVSAvoidcontact area between dough surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is moved to the free end position before the pressing action is applied. This preliminary repositioning ensures that the maximum contact area between the overlapping dough ends is achieved during pressing, as the projection no longer interferes with the contact zone, thereby resolving the contradiction between applying pressing force and maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3669656B1Method and device for shaping dough products
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 FRITSCH BAKERY TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3669656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3669656B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3669656B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (01, 18) for forming essentially straight, in particular wound, dough pieces (02) into an annular shape with a bending unit for rounding the dough piece (02), wherein the bending unit comprises: - at least one holding jaw (04) - and two movably mounted forming jaws (07, 08, 19, 20) - and a lifting device - and a punch (17), wherein a forming jaw (08, 19) provided with a projection (12, 27) is moved along a travel path section between an initial position and an end position during engagement with the dough piece (02), and wherein the projection (12, 27) rests on the underside of the dough piece (02) in the initial position, and wherein the projection (12, 27) is disengaged from the dough piece (02) in the end position.