Flexible Pump Feed Pipe for Continuous Food Freezing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous cycle machines for producing liquid and semi-liquid food products face inflexibility and high operating costs due to the need for specific pumps for each machine, requiring precise assembly and lengthy substitution times.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a flexible delivery pipe system that allows the pump to connect to the whipping and freezing cylinder irrespective of the tank and pump positions, using a gear pump with a flexible overmolded plastic pipe and quick connectors for easy assembly and compatibility with various pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid delivery pipe system is used to connect the pump to the whipping and freezing cylinder, then the connection is structurally stable, but the machine requires specific pumps for each machine type and precise assembly with minimum tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible hose instead of a rigid delivery pipe to connect the pump to the whipping and freezing cylinder. This flexible connection allows the pump to be positioned at different locations and orientations while maintaining reliable fluid transfer, thereby enabling pump interchangeability without requiring precise alignment or specific pump models for each machine type.
2Reliability
If specific pumps with precise alignment are used for each machine type, then the delivery system is reliable, but assembly time increases and substitution of faulty pumps becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible, dynamic connection system that allows the delivery hose to adapt to different pump positions and orientations. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need for precise static alignment during assembly and pump substitution, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining delivery system reliability.
3Strength
If a rigid delivery pipe passing through tank and compartment walls is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the machine has poor operating flexibility and requires specific pumps for each machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid delivery pipes that pass through fixed openings in tank and compartment walls with a flexible hose system. This allows the pump to be positioned flexibly without compromising structural integrity, as the flexible hose can accommodate various positions while maintaining sealed connections, thereby improving operating flexibility.
4Reliability
If precise assembly with minimum tolerances is required for pump connection, then the delivery pipe connection is secure, but substitution of faulty pumps requires lengthy assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose connection system allows for quick connection and disconnection of pumps without requiring precise alignment or specialized assembly procedures. The flexibility of the hose accommodates minor position variations, enabling rapid pump substitution while maintaining secure connections, thereby improving ease of repair.
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
This design enhances operating flexibility and reduces assembly time, allowing any pump to be used with the machine, thereby lowering costs and improving the efficiency of the continuous cycle process.
Implementation Method 1
Connected to the delivery duct (9) there is a flexible delivery pipe (11)
Implementation Method 2
A machine design featuring a flexible delivery pipe system that allows the pump to connect to the whipping and freezing cylinder irrespective of the tank and pump positions, using a gear pump with a flexible overmolded plastic pipe
Implementation Method 3
The whipping and freezing cylinder is normally equipped with a mixer and comprises a shell in which a coolant fluid circulates
Implementation Method 4
The whipping and freezing cylinder is designed to mix, cool and blend together a plurality of ingredients to form a cream for ice cream, a crushed-ice drink or similar products
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for producing liquid and semi-liquid food products with a continuous cycle comprises a containment tank (5) for basic liquid or semi-liquid food products comprising an outfeed hole (6), a whipping and freezing cylinder (2) having an infeed for the basic food products connected to the tank (5) outfeed hole (6), and comprising a mixer for whipping and freezing of the basic food products and for obtaining an end product, a pump (7) acting in the containment tank (5) and comprising an intake duct (8) for drawing the basic food products from the tank (5) and a delivery duct (9) for transferring the drawn products towards the tank (5) outfeed (6). The machine also comprises a flexible delivery pipe (11) connected to the pump (7) delivery duct (9) and to the tank (5) outfeed (6).