Interchangeable Cream-Spreading Head With Quick-Release Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cream spreader systems require significant downtime for product changes and cleaning, as the entire system must be stopped and cleaned to prevent residue from the previous cream, which is undesirable in industrial production.
Innovation Solution
A modular cream spreading head with a coupling arrangement that includes centering means, electrical and medium plugs, and a locking device, allowing for quick attachment and detachment from the conveyor device, enabling rapid product changes and minimal downtime for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cream spreading head is permanently connected to the conveyor device, then the structural stability is improved, but the product change time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cream spreading head is divided into a modular design that can be separated from the conveyor device. The coupling arrangement includes detachable connection elements that allow the cream spreading head to be quickly removed and replaced, transforming a permanently connected structure into separable modules while maintaining operational stability during use.
2Reliability
If the entire system is stopped for cleaning, then the cleaning completeness is improved, but the production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cream spreading head is segmented as a detachable module that can be removed from the conveyor device. This allows the cream spreading head to be cleaned independently while the conveyor device and other parts of the production line continue operating, achieving complete cleaning without stopping the entire production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cream spreading head is extracted as a separate removable component from the conveyor device. By taking out the cream spreading head for cleaning, the cleaning process can be performed on the removed component while the main production system remains operational, eliminating the need to stop the entire system for cleaning.
3Speed
If the cream spreading head is designed as a modular interchangeable unit, then the product change speed is improved, but the coupling arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement is designed with universal connection elements that can accommodate different cream spreading head models. The standardized coupling interface includes electrical connections, pneumatic connections, and mechanical mounting features that work across multiple product variants, enabling quick interchangeability without requiring complex custom connections for each model.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cream-spreading head, apparatus and system for applying a pumpable substance to a carrier body, wherein a releasable coupling system is provided for coupling the cream-spreading head to the conveying apparatus and for decoupling it therefrom.