Gum Forming and Multi-Pass Cooling for Continuous Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gum processing requires extended conditioning times to prevent sticking during stacking, which disrupts production and increases energy consumption due to the use of powders.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for forming and cooling gum using a forming system, in-line cooling device, and multi-pass conveying system to achieve uniform thickness and rapid cooling, allowing for immediate stacking without powder application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extended conditioning time is used to prevent gum sticking, then gum can be stacked without sticking, but production is interrupted and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is performed immediately after forming while the gum is still warm, preventing sticking before it occurs rather than addressing it after extended conditioning is required. The in-line cooling device applies cooling continuously as gum moves through the system, eliminating the need for separate conditioning periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is integrated continuously into the forming line, with the cooling device operating alongside the forming system. Gum is cooled continuously during transport through the in-line cooling device, eliminating interruptions for separate conditioning periods and maintaining continuous production flow.
2Reliability
If powder is applied to prevent gum sticking, then gum does not stick to processing line components, but energy consumption increases and product quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (powder) is completely removed from the process. Instead of applying powder to prevent sticking, the system uses an in-line cooling device that prevents sticking through controlled cooling, eliminating the need for powder application and subsequent removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/chemical method of using powder to prevent sticking is replaced with a thermal cooling method. The in-line cooling device uses controlled temperature reduction to prevent sticking, substituting the need for powder application and removal operations.
3Reliability
If powder is applied to prevent gum sticking, then gum does not stick during stacking, but powder removal is required which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (powder) is completely removed from the process. The cooling system prevents sticking without requiring any powder, eliminating the energy-consuming powder removal operation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process converts the warm, sticky state of freshly formed gum into a cool, non-sticky state that is ready for stacking. This beneficial cooling effect eliminates the need for harmful powder application and removal operations.
4Temperature
If conventional cooling is used after forming, then gum is cooled to stacking temperature, but extended conditioning time is required
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling is applied immediately after forming while the gum is still warm, rather than waiting for natural cooling. The in-line cooling device begins cooling the gum right away, reducing the total time required to reach stacking temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is continuous and integrated into the forming line, with the cooling device operating alongside the forming system. Gum is cooled continuously during transport, eliminating the need for extended separate conditioning periods.
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
Reduces conditioning time, eliminates the need for powders, and enables continuous processing from mixing to packaging, maintaining product quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device that is disposed in-line with the forming system and configured to continuously receive the gum from the forming system
Implementation Method 2
a multi-pass conveying system configured to continuously transport the gum from the entry point to an exit point of the cooling device
Implementation Method 3
the multi-pass conveying system being configured to simultaneously impart conductive cooling to the gum at vertically opposing surfaces of the gum
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for forming and cooling gum, the system including a forming system configured to size the gum to include a substantially uniform thickness, a cooling device that is disposed in-line with the forming system and configured to continuously receive the gum from the forming system at an entry point of the cooling device, and a multi-pass conveying system configured to continuously transport the gum from the entry point to an exit point of the cooling device, the forming system and the cooling device being configured to form and cool the gum to be in a condition for stacking or collecting upon exiting the exit point of the cooling device.