Chewing Gum Cutting System Using Compressed Air Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scoring and cutting systems for chewing gum require the application of powder, leading to equipment maintenance issues and reduced efficiency due to powder buildup.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a conveyor to provide a chewing gum sheet to rotary type cutting devices, with an oiling system to apply oil and a compressed air delivery unit to facilitate the release of the gum from the cutting devices without the need for powder, allowing for efficient scoring and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powder is applied to the cutting device to release chewing gum, then the chewing gum can be sufficiently released from the cutting device, but powder buildup occurs on process equipment leading to greater maintenance requirements and lower operating efficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compressed air as an intermediary substance to replace powder as the release agent. The compressed air is directed onto the cutting device surface to facilitate gum release without the adverse effects of powder buildup, thereby maintaining reliable gum release while improving operating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air delivery systems to blow air onto the cutting device surface. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for powder application and removal systems, reducing maintenance requirements and improving productivity through a cleaner, more efficient process
2Reliability
If powder is applied to the cutting device to release chewing gum, then the chewing gum can be sufficiently released from the cutting device, but maintenance requirements increase due to powder buildup
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air serves as a clean intermediary that facilitates gum release without leaving residual buildup on the cutting device. This eliminates the maintenance burden associated with powder removal while maintaining effective gum release
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical powder application and removal system with a pneumatic compressed air system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex maintenance procedures related to powder handling, cleaning, and equipment degradation from powder exposure
3Reliability
If powder is applied to the cutting device, then chewing gum can be released, but airborne particulates are generated affecting air quality
Solution Approach 1:
By using compressed air delivery systems instead of powder, the patent eliminates the generation of airborne particulates. The pneumatic system directs controlled air flows to achieve gum release without creating dust or particulate contamination in the working environment
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 reduces maintenance needs, increases equipment uptime, improves air quality by eliminating airborne particulates, and eliminates the requirement for dust collection systems, while effectively cutting and scoring chewing gum without powder adherence.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air delivery unit being located proximate to the rotary type cutting device to apply compressed air to the cutting surface of the rotary type cutting device in a direction that is opposite rotation of the rotary type cutting device
Implementation Method 2
an oiling system to apply oil to the rotary type cutting device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for cutting chewing gum. The system comprises a conveyor (4) configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one rotary type cutting device (6,7,8,9). The rotary type cutting device (6,7,8,9) including at least one cutting surface configured to score said chewing gum sheet to a depth less than the entire height of the chewing gum to form a gum web of chewing gum and/or to cut through the entire height of the chewing gum sheet to form separate portions of chewing gum. The system further comprises a compressed air delivery unit (20) and an exit conveyor (5) configured to transport said chewing gum from the system. The compressed air delivery unit (20) is configured to facilitate release of chewing gum from said at least one rotary type cutting device (6,7,8,9) by applying compressed air to said at least one rotary type cutting device in a direction that is generally opposite rotation of said rotary type cutting device (6,7,8,9).