Dough Roll Orientation Control via Separator Sheet Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for rolling up dough pieces with separator sheets face issues with precise control over the rotational orientation and application of glue, leading to potential misalignment and machinery damage, as well as inefficiencies in handling and packaging.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rolling chamber and controllable release opening, equipped with sensors to determine the closure position of the separator sheet and a controller to manage the release, along with a receptacle for precise orientation and handling, allows for controlled transfer and packaging of rolled dough pieces, including optional glue application and handling of rejected sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If glue is applied to fixate the separator sheet end, then the roll stability is improved, but the risk of machinery damage and sheet sticking increases with superfluous glue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll stabilityVSAvoidmachinery damage and sheet sticking

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the closure position of the separator sheet before the rolling process completes, and controls the release opening timing in advance based on this information. This preliminary knowledge of the sheet's angular position allows the system to prepare for glue application timing and amount, preventing both insufficient fixation and excessive glue application that could cause sticking or machinery damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the closure position of the separator sheet and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the release opening timing and glue application parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the exact amount of glue is applied at the precise moment when the sheet end reaches the optimal position, achieving stable fixation without over-application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the rotational orientation of the rolled up dough sheet is not precisely controlled, then the handling process becomes simpler, but the packaging efficiency decreases due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging efficiencyVSAvoidorientation control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical orientation control mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system that optically or electronically determines the closure position of the separator sheet. The controller then uses this information to precisely time the release opening, achieving accurate orientation control through control logic rather than complex mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator sheet itself provides the orientation information through its closure position, which is detected by the sensor. The sheet's own structural feature (the closed end) serves as the reference marker, eliminating the need for external orientation markers or complex positioning mechanisms. The system uses the sheet's inherent characteristics to achieve precise orientation control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the end of the separator sheet loosens due to insufficient glue, then the packaging process becomes simpler, but the roll integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroll integrityVSAvoidglue amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the closure position of the separator sheet in advance during the rolling process, before the sheet is fully rolled and before glue application. This early detection allows the system to calculate the exact amount of glue needed and prepare the glue application mechanism, ensuring sufficient glue is applied to maintain roll integrity without waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies the exact amount of glue needed based on the detected closure position, avoiding both insufficient application (which would cause loosening) and excessive application (which would cause sticking). By using partial action - applying only the necessary amount of glue at the precise location and time - the system achieves optimal roll integrity without the harmful effects of superfluous glue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4070663B1Dough piece rolled up with a separator sheet, and method and device for preparing these

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 RADIE

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AI summary

Device for rolling up a dough piece on a separator sheet, comprising a rolling chamber for receiving a flat sheet with a dough piece on top, and configured for rolling up the separator sheet and the dough piece, wherein the chamber comprises a controllable release opening for controlled transfer of the rolled up sheet with the dough piece to a receptacle and at least one sensor for determining directly or indirectly a closure position and/or end of the separator sheet and providing a signal representing said position, a controller for controlling the controllable release opening based on the signal from the sensor; and the receptacle for receiving the dough sheet being configured for holding the dough piece in a predetermined position.