Dough Strip Twisting Gripper Mechanism for Continuous Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual twisting of elongated dough strips is time-consuming and costly, and existing machinery is not suitable for continuously handling and automating the twisting of dough strips around their longitudinal axis.
Innovation Solution
A device with grippers that grip the dough strip at its short sides and rotate to twist it automatically, using a conveyor system and drivable belts or chains to control the twisting process, allowing for continuous handling and adjustable twisting parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual twisting of dough strips is used, then the dough strip can be twisted about its longitudinal axis, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The grippers are designed to rotate dynamically about the longitudinal axis of the dough strip during conveyance. The rotation is achieved by offsetting the rotation axis from the longitudinal axis, creating a twisting motion that automates the process while maintaining continuous production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous twisting of dough strips by integrating the twisting action into the conveyance process. Multiple grippers can operate simultaneously on multiple dough strips, and the conveyor system ensures uninterrupted flow, eliminating idle time between twisting operations
2Productivity
If existing twisting machines are used, then twisting action can be applied, but they are not suitable for continuously handling dough strips
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves multiple functions: it grips the dough strip, rotates it about its longitudinal axis, and releases it onto the conveyor. The gripper design with offset rotation axis allows it to perform both twisting and conveyance functions, making it suitable for integration into continuous production lines
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper acts as an intermediary between the conveyor system and the dough strip. It temporarily holds the dough strip, applies the twisting action, and then releases it, enabling seamless integration into the continuous conveyance process without requiring the dough strip to be stationary
3Extent of automation
If grippers rotate the dough strip, then automated twisting is achieved, but the gripper structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is segmented into distinct functional components: a gripping element for holding the dough strip and a rotation mechanism for twisting. The rotation axis is offset from the longitudinal axis, creating independent rotational motion that simplifies the overall structure while achieving the desired twisting effect
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 device enables efficient, automated twisting of dough strips with high throughput, suitable for integration into a continuous dough-line, reducing manual labor and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel may be covered with a friction material, such as polyurethane or a rubber or rubber-like material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for twisting elongated dough strips, comprising at least one pair of grippers, each arranged for gripping and respectively releasing one short side of a dough strip, and means for mutually rotating the grippers around an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the device comprises a first conveyor for supplying dough strips oriented with their long sides perpendicular to the direction of conveyance wherein the width of the first conveyor is chosen smaller than the long sides of the dough strips so that the short sides of a dough strip protrude from the first conveyor, and a second conveyor for carrying off the twisted dough strips. The invention further provides a method for twisting an elongated dough strip.