Food Stack Synchronization via Sliding Edge and Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging sliced foodstuffs, such as processed cheese, struggle with efficiently producing packs that contain multiple types of cheese slices with different recipes, as individual stacks tend to slip when laid horizontally, complicating the processing and packaging of mixed product stacks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that synchronize the horizontal transport of two individual stacks of cheese slices with different recipes, using conveyor belts and a sliding edge to stack them flush, allowing for high-speed production of combined packs, which can then be further packaged with hermetically sealed tubular film for sterility and consumer appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual stacks of cheese slices are laid horizontally for packaging, then processing speed can be increased, but the stacks slip easily making horizontal processing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the combining device with synchronization means) that mediates between the horizontal transport of individual stacks and the vertical stacking operation. This intermediary system allows horizontal processing to continue while preventing slipping through active synchronization and controlled transfer at the combining point.
2Ease of manufacture
If stacks are made from slices of one type only, then production is simplified, but product variety and customer appeal are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual stacks containing different types of cheese slices into a single combined package. The combining device receives stacks from multiple feed paths and vertically stacks them together, creating mixed-type packages while maintaining the simplicity of individual stack production. This allows different cheese varieties to be produced separately and then combined in controlled proportions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual stacks are combined to create mixed product packs, then product variety increases, but synchronization and stacking precision become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs synchronization means that monitor and adjust the position and speed of individual stacks as they approach the combining point. This feedback mechanism ensures that stacks are precisely aligned and synchronized before vertical stacking, maintaining high stacking precision even when combining multiple stacks of different types from different feed paths.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves aggregating packages of identical upper and lower product stacks (19, 13) and horizontally transporting the product stacks on respective upper feeding path and a lower feeding path (3) by a transport unit with transport speed. The feeding paths are parallely directed above each other into an aggregation area. The upper feeding path is terminated at a sliding edge (6) defining the aggregation area. A synchronization unit is designed such that the product stack (19) reaching the edge is flushingly applied on the product stack (13). An independent claim is also included for a device for producing a pack of food slices i.e. individually packed processed cheese slices.