Food Loading Device Portioning Unit Tray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading devices for food products are limited in their ability to accommodate a variable number of portions in bowls of different dimensions, restricting flexibility in positioning and geometry.
Innovation Solution
A loading device equipped with a portioning unit featuring first and second inhibiting mechanisms that can be driven parallel and orthogonal to the transport direction, allowing for flexible positioning and movement inhibition at multiple positions, enabling the placement of multiple food products in bowls of varying sizes and geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single locking mechanism is used to interrupt tray movement, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility in accommodating variable number of portions and different tray geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portioning unit is divided into multiple locking mechanisms (first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism) that can independently interrupt tray movement at different positions. Each locking mechanism can be driven parallel to the transport direction and orthogonally to the transport direction, allowing flexible positioning of food products in trays with variable geometries and accommodating different numbers of portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with the capability to be driven in multiple directions (parallel and orthogonal to transport direction). This dynamic configuration allows the portioning unit to adapt to different tray sizes, shapes, and portion requirements, providing versatility without requiring a completely new device for each configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If the locking mechanisms are driven only orthogonally to the transport direction, then the mechanism design is simplified, but the ability to position food products at multiple positions along the transport direction is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are equipped with dual-directional drive capabilities: movement parallel to the transport direction and movement orthogonal to the transport direction. This two-dimensional control system enables precise positioning of food products at multiple locations within the tray, achieving high manufacturing precision while maintaining a manageable device complexity through systematic design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trays are moved only in the transport direction, then the conveyor system is simple, but the ability to place multiple food products on top of each other or in complex patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic interruption of tray movement through the locking mechanisms, which can engage and disengage at predetermined positions. This periodic action allows trays to be stopped, loaded with food products, and then resume movement, enabling complex loading patterns including stacking multiple products vertically or in various spatial arrangements within the tray.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading device 1 for portioning food products 3 into trays 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, comprising a feed belt 2 for receiving and transporting food products 3 into a transfer area 8; a transport belt 4 for transporting the trays 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 in the transport direction T into a loading area 9 below the transfer area 8; and a portioning unit 10 for portioning the food products 3 into the trays 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4. The portioning unit 10 has a first and a second inhibiting mechanism 11.1, 11.2, which are configured to be driven to sequentially come into contact with a tray 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 moved into the loading area 9, parallel to the transport direction T and orthogonal to the transport direction T, such that the movement of the tray is inhibited at at least one position P1, P2 in the loading area 9.The invention further relates to a portioning unit 10 and a method for operating a loading device 1.