Dual Rotor Pasta Loader Assembly with Independent Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long pasta loader assemblies experience issues with uneven pasta distribution and breakage due to the sudden fall of pasta and converging of two conveyor belts, leading to reduced production speed and packaging inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dual rotor loader assembly with independent motor-controlled rotors, horizontal paddles, and lever mechanisms that allow synchronized filling and unloading of pasta into separate accumulation spaces, reducing breakage and enabling continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotor with converging conveyor belts is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pasta breakage and uneven distribution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotor is divided into two separate rotors, each handling pasta from one conveyor belt independently. This segmentation prevents the converging of pasta strands and eliminates breakage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate accumulation spaces are introduced as intermediary zones between each conveyor belt and its corresponding rotor. These accumulation spaces allow pasta to be gently fed and distributed without direct convergence, improving distribution uniformity.
2Device complexity
If two conveyor belts converge into a single dosing area, then device complexity is reduced, but pasta breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing unit is segmented into two independent dosing areas, each with its own rotor and accumulation space. This prevents pasta from different conveyor belts from converging and breaking while keeping the dosing unit structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful converging action is completely removed from the system by extracting the pasta flows into separate processing paths. Each conveyor belt feeds its own dedicated rotor without interaction, eliminating breakage.
3Device complexity
If a single rotor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but production speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotor is segmented into two parallel rotors that operate simultaneously and independently. This doubles the pasta dosing capacity while maintaining a simple additive structure, directly increasing production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The two rotors can operate continuously and independently, with each handling its own pasta flow without waiting for the other. This continuous parallel operation maximizes productivity while keeping the device structure simple.
4Manufacturing precision
If paddles move horizontally to block/unblock descenders, then pasta distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paddles are made movable horizontally to dynamically control the blocking and unblocking of pasta flow. This dynamic adjustment enables precise dosing control while using a relatively simple mechanical linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddles perform periodic horizontal movements to rhythmically control pasta flow into the accumulation spaces. This periodic action ensures consistent dosing precision while using a simple reciprocating mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A loader assembly (1) for dosing long pasta, comprising at least one descender (2) and a dosing unit (10) which provides dosing means, is described. The loader assembly (1) comprises two descenders (2). The dosing unit (10) comprises two rotors (3) each provided with a cavity (31), and two motors (5) able to independently control the rotation of the respective rotors (3). The dosing means of the dosing unit (10) comprise two paddles (4) and lever means (6) able to connect a paddle (4) to a respective rotor (3). Each descender (2) exclusively feeds a respective rotor (3), and control means of the loader assembly (1) are able to synchronize the position of the rotors (3) and the position of the respective paddles (4).