Dough Rolling Machine With V-Shaped Orientation for Consistent Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for rolling up food dough are dependent on operator skill, resulting in inconsistent product quality, are bulky and costly, and lack precise temperature monitoring and compactness for artisanal environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective machine with orientation and calibration mechanisms ensures consistent dough rolling by centering and orienting dough pieces, reducing manual dependence and enabling precise thickness control, using a conveyor system with adjustable orientation and calibration means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation by pastry chef is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and consistency of final products deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machine enables self-service operation where the dough piece automatically orients itself using gravity and geometric constraints (V-shaped channel, inclined plane) without requiring manual positioning skills. The system serves itself by using the dough's own weight and the channel geometry to achieve precise centering and orientation automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation means performs preliminary action by pre-centering and pre-orienting the dough piece before it reaches the rolling means. This preliminary geometric conditioning ensures that when the rolling action occurs, the dough is already in the correct position and orientation, guaranteeing consistent results without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If automatic rolling up means are used, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical rolling mechanisms with a simpler system based on gravity and geometric constraints. Instead of using motorized rolling drums or complex linkages, the system uses a V-shaped channel and inclined plane that guide the dough through gravity-driven motion, achieving automatic operation with minimal mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a receiving zone for placing dough, an orientation zone with V-shaped channel and inclined plane for automatic centering and orientation, and a rolling zone with simple rolling means. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while the combination achieves automatic operation and high productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rolling mechanisms are used, then rolling function is achieved, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation channel has an asymmetric V-shape with specific geometric angles that are tailored to the triangular shape of the dough piece. This asymmetric geometry ensures that only one specific orientation of the dough fits correctly into the channel, forcing automatic alignment and ensuring that every dough piece is oriented identically before rolling, thereby guaranteeing repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the orientation channel (V-angle, inclination angle, width) to match the specific parameters of the triangular dough piece. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system ensures that gravity and geometric constraints work together to achieve precise and repeatable orientation and centering for every dough piece.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The machine produces consistently shaped, identical confectionery products with reduced manual intervention, occupying less space and at a lower cost, suitable for artisanal settings.
Implementation Method 1
a friction force that is produced by a relative sliding of the piece of food dough against the rolling up means itself
Implementation Method 2
which is made to fall through by force of gravity from a raised position with respect to the conveyor belt
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (10) for rolling up pieces (P) of food dough comprises a conveyor (20) comprising a receiving zone (210) of the piece (P), and a centring zone (220) of the same piece, rolling up means (30) configured to receive and roll up each centred piece (P) of dough on itself, so as to achieve a wrapping of the food dough. The machine further comprises orientation means (40) positioned in said centring zone (220), and configured to accommodate a piece (P) to orient it according to a predefined direction; and wherein the conveyor (20) is configured to transport the piece (P) arranged in said receiving zone (210) towards said orientation means (40) so as to orient it according to a predefined direction by means of a combined movement of an impact and a sliding against the orientation means (40). Wherein said orientation means (40) comprises a body, at least in part, counter-shaped to the piece (P) of food dough and oriented as a function of said predefined direction; and wherein said body has a substantially wedge-shaped or "V-shaped" form, having an enlarged end (410) turned towards said receiving zone (210), and a tapered end (420) opposite the enlarged end (410) so as to obtain a shape coupling between said body and each piece (P) of food dough in order to orient the latter.