Automated Dough Rolling Device With Switchable Conveyors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dough rolling devices require manual operation for folding and turning, limiting their efficiency and automation capabilities, especially in processes like laminating and rotating dough.

Innovation Solution

A dough rolling device with switchable conveyor belts and a gripping device that can lift and manipulate the dough, allowing for automated folding, turning, and alignment of dough strands, with optional dual grippers and conveyor belt speed control for enhanced handling and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual operation is used for folding and turning dough, then the device structure remains simple, but the automation level and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dough rolling device performs folding and turning operations automatically through the coordinated action of conveyor belts and rolling assemblies, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own components (conveyors, rollers, grippers) to complete the entire dough processing cycle including folding and rotating operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belts are designed with variable speed control, allowing dynamic adjustment of conveying rates to synchronize with folding and turning operations. The rolling assemblies can dynamically adjust their positioning and operation timing to accommodate different dough types and processing requirements, enhancing automation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If manual folding and turning operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual conveyor belt system enables continuous dough processing by maintaining constant motion and coordination between feeding and carrying conveyors. The rolling assemblies operate continuously as dough passes through, eliminating idle time and manual intervention gaps, thereby maximizing productivity without requiring excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated conveyor switching is implemented, then the efficiency improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and speed of conveyor belts and rolling assemblies. This feedback enables automatic adjustment and coordination of the switching operations between feeding and carrying conveyors, managing control complexity through intelligent regulation rather than overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4005388A1Dough rolling device
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 FRITSCH BAKERY TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4005388A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005388A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005388A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dough rolling device (1) comprises a first conveying device (2) and a second conveying device (3), as well as a rolling assembly (4) arranged between the first and second conveying devices (2, 3), which is configured for rolling a dough strand (5). The first and second conveying devices (2, 3) are each switchable between a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the respective conveying device (2, 3) is configured to feed the dough strand (5) to the rolling assembly (4), and wherein in the second mode the respective conveying device (2, 3) is configured to convey the dough strand (5) away from the rolling assembly (4). The dough rolling device (1) is characterized by a gripping device (6) which is configured to grip an end section (5a) of the dough strand (5) arranged on the first conveying device (2).