Integrated DC Motor Pasta Roller with Planetary Gear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pasta roller machines are either bulky due to external AC motors or require manual cranking, which is labor-intensive and requires skill, lacking convenience and efficiency in operation.
Innovation Solution
A pasta roller machine with a built-in DC gear motor and planet reduction gear unit, allowing for both manual and electric operation, where the DC gear motor drives the main and secondary rollers via engaged end gears, with an adjustable gap for dough processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an external AC motor is used to power the pasta roller machine, then the machine can operate automatically, but the machine becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is merged with the roller assembly by positioning it at the center of the main roller, combining two previously separate components (motor and roller) into an integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external motor mounting structures and reduces overall machine footprint and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested within the roller structure, with the motor housing integrated into the roller assembly. The planet reduction gear unit is nested within the motor housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space occupation while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Weight of moving object
If a manual crank is used to rotate the rollers, then the machine remains compact, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and requires skill
Solution Approach 1:
The motor provides self-service by automatically driving the rollers through the gear mechanism, eliminating the need for manual cranking. The system serves itself by converting electrical energy to mechanical rotation, reducing user effort to simple on/off control.
Solution Approach 2:
The planet reduction gear unit acts as an intermediary between the motor and the rollers, translating the motor's rotational output into the appropriate speed and torque for dough rolling. This mediator enables automatic operation while maintaining compact dimensions through efficient power transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the motor is separated from the planet reduction gear unit, then the main roller can rotate and drive the secondary roller, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and planet reduction gear unit are merged into a single integrated assembly positioned at the center of the main roller. This combination reduces structural complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and simplifying the power transmission path from motor to rollers.
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
Enables efficient and convenient pasta rolling with the option to operate manually or electrically, reducing user effort and improving the ability to achieve desired dough thickness and patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The Direct Current motor drives the first shaft in one direction via a planet reduction gear unit
Implementation Method 2
The Direct Current motor drives the first shaft in one direction via a planet reduction gear unit
Implementation Method 3
The first and second end gears are engaged with each other. The second shaft rotates the secondary roller via an engagement between the first and second end gears
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pasta roller with a built-in motor for manual and electric pasta roller machine includes a first shaft and a Direction Current motor received in a main roller. The first shaft is fixed to the main roller. The Direction Current motor drives the first shaft in one direction via a planet reduction gear unit. A second shaft is co-axially located in the main roller and has a first end gear mounted thereto. A secondary roller is located beside the main roller and has a second end gear connected to one end thereof. The first and second end gears are engaged with each other. A crank is removably inserted into a hole in the first shaft. When in manual operation, the crank is rotated to rotate the main roller and the second shaft, and the secondary roller is rotated by the engagement between the first and second end gears.