Food Inputting Apparatus Shutter Liquid Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food inputting systems for packaging materials, such as those used for kimchi, face issues with liquid leakage and O-ring corrosion, leading to defective sealing and contamination of the product.
Innovation Solution
A food inputting apparatus comprising a supply unit, chute unit, shutter unit, and suction unit, where food is guided downward through a chute and a shutter mechanism ensures liquid is contained, with a suction unit removing any collected liquid to prevent leakage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a chute and O-ring are used to guide food into packaging material, then food input efficiency is improved, but liquid material leaks from the chute gap causing defective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shutter body as an intermediary component between the chute and packaging material. This shutter body includes a shutter plate that can be opened or closed to control food discharge, and a collection space that collects liquid material. The shutter body acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the chute and packaging material, thereby eliminating liquid leakage while maintaining efficient food input.
2Strength
If an O-ring is used to fix the chute, then the chute is securely positioned, but the O-ring corrodes from continuous exposure to liquid material and may break and mix into the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the O-ring component from the system by introducing the shutter body structure. The shutter body is fixed to the chute using alternative methods that do not involve rubber O-rings, thereby eliminating the source of corrosion and contamination while maintaining secure chute positioning.
3Reliability
If a vinyl sheet is used to cover the chute to prevent liquid leakage, then sealing is improved, but the thin vinyl sheet stretches or tears during repeated input processes and mixes into the product
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter body serves as a robust intermediary structure that prevents liquid leakage without relying on thin vinyl sheets. The shutter plate can be opened for food input and closed to prevent leakage, while the collection space captures liquid material. This mechanical solution is more durable and resistant to repeated use compared to vinyl sheet coverage.
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
The apparatus effectively minimizes liquid leakage and prevents O-ring corrosion, ensuring safe and reliable inputting of food into packaging materials without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit provided to suction liquid collecting inside the shutter body in the closed state
Implementation Method 2
a chute unit including a chute body through which the food discharged from the supply unit passes while falling due to a self-weight
Data Source
AI summary
The food inputting apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a supply unit provided so as to supply food downwardly; a chute unit comprising a chute body through which food discharged from the supply unit falls and passes due to gravity; a shutter unit provided so as to be opened or closed in accordance with whether the food discharged from the chute unit is to be discharged into packaging material, and comprising a shutter body which, when closed, is positioned between the upper part of an upwardly opened opening of the packaging material and a chute outlet provided at the bottom end of the chute unit; and a suction unit for suctioning liquid that collects inside the shutter body when closed.