Automated Food Insertion Between Compression Grilles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting food products between compression grilles are labor-intensive, dangerous for operators, and involve manual handling of springs, making the process inefficient and risky.
Innovation Solution
A machine with automatic insertion means, including gripping mechanisms and translational actuation systems, allows for easy and safe insertion and removal of food products between grilles, eliminating the need for manual spring handling and enabling automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of springs is used to attach grilles, then the process is simple in terms of device structure, but it is dangerous for operators and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the grilles automatically engage with the frame through spring-loaded gripping elements. The grilles secure themselves without manual spring handling, eliminating operator danger while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring-loaded gripping elements act as intermediaries between the operator and the grilles. These automated gripping mechanisms transfer the attachment function from manual spring handling to an automated intermediary system, improving safety while adding controlled complexity.
2Productivity
If springs are detached to arrange grilles side-by-side, then the grilles can be positioned for product insertion, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grilles are pre-positioned in a stacked configuration within the frame before product insertion. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming spring detachment and repositioning operations, allowing rapid product placement between grilles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions grilles between stacked and separated positions using automated gripping mechanisms. This dynamic positioning allows rapid adjustment without manual spring handling, significantly improving insertion speed while reducing time loss.
3Extent of automation
If a press is used to compress products between grilles, then the compression function is achieved, but the overall process remains manual and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the grille positioning, product insertion, and compression functions into a single integrated automated process. The robotic arm performs multiple operations in sequence, achieving high automation while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (spring handling, grille positioning, product placement) are replaced with an automated robotic arm system. This substitution achieves high automation extent while the modular robotic design keeps overall system complexity manageable.
4Reliability
If operators manually reattach springs after product insertion, then the grilles are secured, but the process is dangerous and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grilles automatically secure themselves to the frame using spring-loaded gripping elements after product insertion. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable grille securing without requiring dangerous manual spring reattachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated gripping elements serve as intermediaries that perform the grille securing function. These intermediaries transfer the securing operation from manual spring reattachment to an automated mechanical system, maintaining reliability while eliminating operator involvement in dangerous tasks.
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 machine significantly reduces operator effort and risk, automates the insertion and removal processes, and ensures reliable and safe operation with a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
arranged in a spaced condition relative to one another, in a condition in which they are able to exert an elastic compression action on a food product to be inserted between them
Implementation Method 2
mutual spacing means for moving the two grilles from a closer condition to a spaced condition
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine for inserting or removing food products between a pair of compression grilles. The machine comprises a base frame (2) that defines at least one positioning region (3) for at least one pair of grilles (4, 5) which face each other and are mutually connected by means of elastic compression means. The base frame (2) supports means (7) for the mutual spacing of the grilles (4, 5), which are adapted to move the grilles (4, 5) from a closer condition to a spaced condition, in contrast with the elastic compression means.