Folding and Rolling Table for Food Rolls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanized production of spring rolls and similar foods is hindered by the difficulty in automating folding and rolling operations, with existing technologies experiencing issues such as undesirable suction phenomena, inadequate nozzle positioning, and a lack of suitable mechanisms for high-speed production with minimal food loss.
Innovation Solution
A folding and rolling table equipped with a conveyor belt, laterally positioned compressed gas blowing nozzles, and a suction system, along with first and second rolling members, allows for precise and rapid folding and rolling of rice cakes around fillings, using air jets to propel the rice cakes and maintain them under pressure, achieving efficient and high-speed production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are positioned close to the conveyor belt for folding, then folding effectiveness is improved, but unwanted suction phenomena occur causing sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the function of different parts of the nozzle system. The blowing nozzles are positioned at a specific distance (1-4.5mm) from the conveyor belt to provide focused blowing action for folding, while suction nozzles are positioned at different locations to provide localized suction only where needed to maintain the rice cake on the mat, avoiding unnecessary suction on the folded portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single-distance nozzle positioning to a multi-dimensional nozzle arrangement. Blowing nozzles are positioned at 1-4.5mm distance for precise folding control, while suction nozzles are positioned at different distances and angles, creating a spatial differentiation that allows blowing and suction to operate independently without interfering with each other.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex folding and rolling operations are implemented, then product formation is achieved, but automation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical folding and rolling mechanisms with a pneumatic system. Compressed air is channeled through blowing nozzles positioned close to the conveyor belt to inflate and fold the rice cake, while suction nozzles maintain positioning. This pneumatic approach simplifies the device structure while achieving the desired complex folding and rolling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical folding arms, rollers, and clamps with a pneumatic field-based system. The compressed air jets and suction forces replace physical mechanical contact and manipulation, reducing the number of moving parts and mechanical components while maintaining the ability to perform complex folding and rolling operations.
3Productivity
If high production rates are achieved, then productivity is improved, but food loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the blowing nozzles at a precise distance (1-4.5mm) from the conveyor belt before the folding operation begins. This pre-positioning ensures that the compressed air is delivered exactly where needed at the optimal moment, enabling rapid and precise folding that minimizes material waste while maintaining high production speed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If nozzle distance from conveyor belt is increased, then suction phenomena are reduced, but folding effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the nozzle-to-belt distance parameter to a specific range (1-4.5mm) that balances folding effectiveness with suction control. This parameter optimization allows the compressed air to reach the rice cake with sufficient force for precise folding while limiting the suction effect that would cause sticking, achieving both goals simultaneously through careful parameter selection.
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
Enables the automatic production of spring rolls at rates greater than 2000 products per hour with minimal food loss and precise folding, avoiding unwanted suction or sticking, by optimizing nozzle placement and air jet pressure for efficient folding and rolling.
Implementation Method 1
a folding member comprising a system of at least two compressed gas blowing nozzles, placed laterally on either side of the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
a suction system positioned between said two nozzles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A folding and rolling table (1) for preparing rolled food products comprising a filling inserted into a rice paper, comprising a conveyor belt (2) and a folding member (5), said folding member (5) comprising a system of at least two nozzles (6) for blowing compressed gas, positioned laterally to either side of the conveyor belt (2), and a suction system (8) positioned between said two nozzles; each of the outlets of the abovementioned blowing nozzles (6) is positioned at a distance of between 1 and 4.5 mm from the conveyor belt (2).