Dough Roller Dynamics for Density Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dough sheeting lines face challenges in achieving uniform thickness and density, leading to variations in dough piece weight due to the uneven expansion at the edges, resulting in excessive dough usage to meet minimum weight requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conveyor and a roller that adjusts the distance between the conveyor surface and the roller in a predetermined pattern perpendicular to the conveyance direction, allowing for varying dough density across the width to compensate for the effects of reducers, using movable suspension systems and actuators for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stationary roller is used to roll the dough in the direction of conveyance, then the dough sheet is formed efficiently, but the dough exhibits unequal homogeneity in the width direction with higher density in the center and lower density at the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the roller movable in the vertical direction rather than stationary. The roller position is dynamically adjusted during the rolling operation to vary the distance between the roller and conveyor surface according to a predetermined pattern. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the non-uniform density distribution caused by stationary rollers, creating more homogeneous dough density across the width direction while maintaining efficient sheet forming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the roller-to-conveyor distance parameter during the rolling process. The distance is changed according to a predetermined pattern that corresponds to the desired density distribution. By changing this geometric parameter dynamically, the system compensates for the density variations inherent in stationary roller operations, achieving more uniform dough density without sacrificing productivity
2Reliability
If safe margins are used when cutting individual dough products to meet minimum weight requirements, then product specification compliance is ensured, but more dough is used than strictly required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for density variations in the dough sheet before the cutting operation. The variable distance rolling creates a predetermined density distribution that anticipates and counteracts the non-uniformity that would otherwise require safe margins during cutting. This preliminary correction ensures that subsequent cutting produces pieces with more consistent weights, meeting specifications with less excess material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dough processing device, for use on a dough line, comprising dough processing means, such as a flour dispenser, a roller, a cutter, a folding shoe, for processing the dough on a conveyor; arranged in a frame, arranged for being placed as a bridge over a dough conveyor and thereto having supports at opposite ends; provided with fastening means, for fastening the supports on either side to a dough conveyor housing; wherein at least one support is provided with transport means, for transporting the dough processing device directly over a conveyor while supporting the dough processing device on said conveyor. The invention further relates to a dough processing line comprising such a dough processing device.