Gum Forming and Multi-Pass Cooling for Powder-Free Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gum processing systems require extended conditioning times and excessive use of powders to prevent sticking, leading to inefficiencies and energy consumption, and can adversely affect the final product.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for forming and cooling gum that includes a forming system to size gum to uniform dimensions, a cooling device for continuous cooling, and a multi-pass conveying system to transport gum through a cooling device, allowing for efficient cooling and stacking without sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling and conditioning methods are used, then gum pieces can be stacked without sticking, but processing is interrupted for extended periods up to 48 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous cooling and processing operations without interruption. The system maintains continuous gum flow through the processing line while cooling, eliminating the need to stop production for conditioning periods. This is achieved through controlled cooling rates and continuous movement of gum through the processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameters during processing to enable immediate stacking. By controlling the cooling rate and achieving specific temperature thresholds, the gum reaches a state where it can be stacked without the traditional extended conditioning period, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If powder or particulate material is added to prevent sticking, then gum pieces can be handled and stacked, but energy consumption increases and product quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the powder addition step from the processing sequence. Instead of adding powder to prevent sticking, the system relies on controlled cooling and continuous processing to achieve a state where gum pieces can be handled and stacked without additional materials, thereby eliminating the energy consumption associated with powder application and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The gum itself is made capable of being handled and stacked through controlled cooling parameters that modify its physical properties. The system enables the gum to serve its own anti-sticking function through temperature control, eliminating the need for external powder additives and the associated energy costs.
3Reliability
If powder is added during processing, then sticking is prevented, but the powder must be effectively removed to avoid affecting the final product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the powder addition and removal steps entirely. By using controlled cooling and continuous processing, the system achieves a state where gum pieces can be handled and stacked without any powder additives, thus completely avoiding the quality issues that arise from incomplete powder removal.
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 and powder usage, enabling continuous processing from mixing to packaging while maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-pass conveying system being configured to simultaneously impart conductive cooling to the gum at vertically opposing surfaces of the gum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method 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.