Grinder Feeder Worm Reversal for Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meat grinders face inefficiencies in operation time, capacity retention, energy consumption, maintenance, and product quality, particularly due to blockages and inconsistent processing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the feeder worm in a grinder periodically reverses direction and reduces speed when the volume between the feeder and processing worms tends to block, using a controlled rotation pattern and sensor feedback to manage mass flow and prevent blockages, ensuring consistent processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the feeder worm continuously rotates in one direction to maintain consistent mass flow, then the grinding process is simple and stable, but the volume between the feeder worm and processing worm tends to get blocked with mass
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder worm rotates periodically in alternating directions (first direction for a certain period, then second direction for a certain period) to prevent mass blockage in the volume between the feeder worm and processing worm, while maintaining relatively simple control through predetermined rotation patterns
2Productivity
If the feeder worm rotates at high speed to improve productivity, then mass processing capacity increases, but energy consumption increases and blockage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation speed of the feeder worm is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state: high speed during normal operation to maximize productivity, reduced speed when blockage is detected or anticipated to prevent blockage and reduce energy consumption, creating an optimized speed profile that balances productivity and energy efficiency
3Productivity
If the feeder worm rotates at high speed to increase processing capacity, then productivity improves, but the risk of mass blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder worm rotates periodically in alternating directions to prevent mass blockage in the volume between the feeder worm and processing worm, while maintaining relatively simple control through predetermined rotation patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors monitoring the volume between the feeder worm and processing worm, and adjusts the feeder worm's rotation speed and direction accordingly to prevent blockage while maintaining optimal processing capacity
4Reliability
If the feeder worm rotates in alternating directions to prevent blockage, then mass flow is optimized and blockage is prevented, but the operation time for each rotation direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder worm rotates periodically in alternating directions (first direction for a certain period, then second direction for a certain period) to prevent mass blockage in the volume between the feeder worm and processing worm, while maintaining relatively simple control through predetermined rotation patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating rotation pattern ensures continuous useful action by preventing blockage through periodic direction changes, allowing the grinder to operate continuously without interruption for blockage clearance, thus maintaining overall operation time while preventing blockage
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
This approach enhances product quality and prolongs grinder operation time by preventing blockages and optimizing mass flow, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a feeder worm (2) which rotates in a first direction around its middle axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotating processing worm (3) which conveys the mass towards a cutting set (4)
Implementation Method 3
a cutting set (4) which cuts the mass in pieces so that the resulting product is for example minced meat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to grind mass in a grinder (1) wherein the mass is provided to the grinder (1) via a hopper (5) and transported by a feeder worm (2) to a rotating processing worm (3) which conveys the mass towards a cutting set (4) which grinds the mass and wherein the feeder worm (2) initially rotates in a first direction. During production the feeder worm (2) is periodically reversed and/or the speed of rotation of the feeder worm (2) is reduced in case the volume between the feeder worm (2) and the processing worm (3) tends to get blocked with the mass.