Extruder Nozzle Height Adjustment via Rotational Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adjusting the weight of extruded string cheese sticks are cumbersome and prone to corrosion, requiring frequent replacement of equipment, and result in varying product lengths when attempting to maintain weight within a target range.
Innovation Solution
An extruder assembly with a pivot and a height adjuster that allows for manual or motorized adjustment of the nozzle height by rotating the stand, enabling precise control over the weight of the extruded product through a vernier adjustment mechanism or motorized system, communicating with a scale to automatically maintain target weight ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a standard floor jack is used to raise or lower the extruder stand, then the nozzle height can be adjusted to change product weight, but the process becomes lengthy and cumbersome requiring frequent operator intervention and equipment replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the extruder stand rotatable about a pivot point rather than requiring vertical lifting. The height adjuster rotates the stand between approximately 5-15 degrees, dynamically changing the nozzle height and product weight during operation without stopping production or requiring operator intervention to reposition heavy equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical floor jack system with a rotational adjustment mechanism. Instead of using a floor jack to lift the entire extruder stand vertically, the system uses a height adjuster with a hand wheel that rotates the stand about a pivot, substituting a simple rotational mechanical system for a complex lifting operation
2Manufacturing precision
If a standard floor jack is used to adjust nozzle height, then weight adjustments can be made, but the equipment is prone to corrosion and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by specifying that the height adjuster and associated components be made from stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials. This composite material approach combines the mechanical functionality of the adjustment mechanism with corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for frequent replacements that occur with standard steel or aluminum floor jacks in food production environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the adjustment equipment from standard steel/aluminum to stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials. This parameter change in material composition directly addresses the corrosion issue while maintaining the mechanical adjustment functionality, significantly extending equipment lifespan in wash-down and food production environments
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutter length is changed to adjust product weight, then weight can be controlled, but the sticks of string cheese produced are of varying lengths which is noticeable by a consumer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the weight control function from the length control function. Instead of using cutter length adjustments that affect both weight and length, the system segments the control mechanism so that nozzle height adjustment controls weight while the cutter independently maintains consistent length, allowing each parameter to be optimized separately without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of adjustment by moving from horizontal cutter position adjustment to vertical nozzle height adjustment. This dimensional change allows weight control through vertical positioning while the horizontal cutter position remains fixed to maintain consistent product length, adding a vertical degree of freedom for weight control without affecting length
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for adjusting the height of a nozzle on an extruder assembly using a height adjuster on the extruder assembly to raise and to lower the nozzle and adapted particularly to the production of products, such as string cheese sticks, having a weight within a target range.