Macerator Roller Spacing Control via Automated Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems require manual adjustments of operational parameters for different types of food products, leading to potential inaccuracies and suboptimal processing due to the lack of automated remote control systems for adjusting settings such as roller spacing and cutting speed.
Innovation Solution
A control system connected to food processing components, including a macerator, that allows for remote input adjustments of operating parameters, using stored data for various food products, and includes a product detection system for dynamic spacing and air cylinder mechanisms to ensure uniform engagement of food products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for roller spacing, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to manual errors and compromise settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses electronic signals to adjust roller spacing. The control system receives input signals and automatically actuates the roller spacing adjustment mechanism, eliminating manual intervention and its associated errors while maintaining precise control over the spacing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment of roller spacing through automated control mechanisms that respond to input signals without requiring operator intervention. The control system automatically calculates and implements the appropriate spacing adjustments based on stored data and processing requirements, making the system self-sufficient in its adjustment operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual device adjustments are required, then adaptability to different food products is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual device adjustments into a single integrated control system. Instead of requiring separate manual adjustments for each device, the control system consolidates the adjustment functions and executes them simultaneously or in coordinated sequence based on a single input signal, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining adaptability to different product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system stores pre-programmed adjustment parameters for different food product types. When a product type is selected, the system retrieves the appropriate parameters and executes the adjustments automatically without requiring real-time calculation or sequential manual tuning, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining product-specific optimization.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used for each device, then ease of operation is improved through simplicity, but reliability deteriorates due to operator error and inconsistent settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment operations with automated electronic control. The control system receives simple input signals (such as product type selection) and automatically executes precise adjustments, eliminating the need for operators to manually turn handwheels or make complex adjustments. This maintains ease of operation while ensuring consistent, error-free settings through automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual roller spacing and other parameters to ensure they match the desired settings. This feedback loop verifies that adjustments have been correctly implemented and maintains consistent settings across different operations, eliminating the variability introduced by manual adjustment while keeping the system easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a processing device, such as a macerator for use in processing various types of food products, that includes an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a roller disposed within the macerator. The mechanism includes a controller operably connected to a motor that can move the roller within the macerator to vary the position of the roller with respect to another roller located in the macerator. Inputs to the controller are used to control the operation of the motor to move the roll into a desired configuration associated in a storage medium in the controller with a particular food product to be processed. The input to the controller can also be used to simultaneously adjust the position of other components of other processing devices in a food processing system, such as an injector to remove the need for individually adjust each device in the system. Also, the controller can utilize other devices on the macerator to dynamically adjust the position of the rollers in response to the individual food products being treated in the macerator.