Food Aggregate Forming Apparatus Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming food aggregates result in inconsistent weights and lengths due to irregular cross-sectional shapes of food blocks, leading to inefficiencies in processing and packaging, as the number and pitch of slices are not automatically adjusted, causing variations in weight and length that require manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically adjust the pitch and number of food pieces to form aggregates with a preset length, using thickness measurement and calculation to ensure uniformity, thereby reducing weight variations and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same number of food pieces are overlapped at the same pitch, then the arrangement process is simple, but the formed aggregates vary in total length and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pitch between food pieces variable rather than fixed. The pitch changing means automatically adjusts the pitch based on the thickness of each food piece to maintain a preset aggregate length, transforming a static arrangement system into a dynamic one that adapts to variations in food piece dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pitch parameter automatically based on food piece thickness. By linking pitch adjustment to thickness measurements, the system maintains constant aggregate length despite variations in individual food piece dimensions, resolving the contradiction between simple arrangement and uniform product dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of food pieces and cutting thickness are automatically changed, then weight variations are reduced, but the pitch is not adjusted causing aggregates to have uneven total lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both the number of food pieces and the pitch dynamic variables. The pitch changing means works in conjunction with automatic number changing to simultaneously control both weight and length, ensuring that aggregates have uniform dimensions in both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from thickness measurements to automatically adjust the pitch. The pitch changing means receives information about food piece thickness and accordingly modifies the pitch to maintain preset aggregate length, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is performed to correct aggregate variations, then product uniformity is improved, but operation efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically correct variations in aggregate dimensions without manual intervention. The pitch changing means and automatic number changing work together to maintain uniform aggregates, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while preserving product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes multiple parameters (pitch and number of pieces) to maintain product uniformity, replacing manual adjustment operations with automated parameter control that improves both precision and efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If aggregates have excessively long total length, then more food pieces can be included, but the aggregate extends out of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic pitch adjustment to optimize the number of food pieces that fit within container dimensions. By varying the pitch based on thickness measurements, the system maximizes the number of pieces while ensuring the aggregate length remains within preset limits that fit the container.
5Quantity of substance
If aggregates have excessively short total length, then fewer food pieces are needed, but clearances form in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the pitch parameter to achieve the optimal number of food pieces that fully utilize container space. By changing pitch based on thickness measurements, the system prevents both overfilling and underfilling, maintaining precise control over aggregate dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming aggregates of food pieces by arranging a plurality of food pieces such that the food pieces at least partially overlap one another is provided. The method automatically changes the number of food pieces forming each aggregate and a pitch at which the food pieces are arranged so as to limit the weights of the aggregates within a predetermined permissible range and to form each aggregate such that the total length of the aggregate is a preset length. The method also automatically changes the number of food pieces forming each aggregate and the pitch at which the food pieces are arranged according to the length of the food piece in the arrangement direction.