Magnetic Transport Mover for Food Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belt systems used in food processing are complex, limit flexibility, and require high maintenance for hygiene standards, especially when handling food slices, as they can damage products during transitions and are not suitable for multi-lane operations.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with movable transport movers and a track system, equipped with carriers that have openings for processing devices and adjustable features like slots, edges for cutting, and identifiers for precise positioning and handling, allowing for improved access and handling of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conveyor belt systems are used to transport food portions, then the portions can be transported from slicer to packaging device, but the system requires high mechanical complexity with multiple belt transitions that can damage portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical conveyor belt system with a magnetic field-based transport system. Transport movers equipped with permanent magnets interact with stators along the track to propel portions through the processing line without physical contact between transport sections, eliminating mechanical transitions that damage portions while reducing overall mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is divided into independent transport movers that can operate autonomously along the track. Each mover handles portions independently without requiring transitions between continuous belts, allowing seamless transport while maintaining portion integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conveyor belt systems are used for food processing, then portions can be transported, but the system has limited flexibility in design and product processing options
Solution Approach 1:
The transport movers are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing variable speeds, accelerations, and positioning along curved or straight track sections. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different product types, processing requirements, and layout configurations without mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The transport movers serve multiple functions: they transport portions, provide cutting support through carrier edges, enable multi-lane operations, and accommodate different product formats. This multi-functionality increases system versatility without adding separate specialized components
3Reliability
If conveyor belt systems are used in food sector, then portions can be transported, but high hygiene standards require comparatively high cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The food-contact surfaces are extracted as separate, removable carrier components that can be easily detached from the transport movers. This separation allows the carriers to be quickly removed and cleaned or replaced without disassembling the entire transport system, significantly reducing cleaning effort while maintaining hygiene standards
4Reliability
If multiple conveyor belt sections are used to transport portions, then portions can be moved from pick-up to delivery, but the transitions between belts can negatively affect portion composition or structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical belt transitions by replacing them with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. Portions are accelerated and decelerated magnetically without physical contact between transport sections, preventing damage to portion structure while maintaining continuous transport capability
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
The system reduces mechanical complexity, minimizes product damage, enhances flexibility, and maintains high hygiene standards by allowing precise handling and processing of food products without the need for multiple belt transfers, supporting multi-lane operations and efficient object handling.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet arrangement PM on the runner 27 for interaction with a stator 43 of the linear motor, in order to move the transport mover 19 in the transport direction T along a path encompassing the stator 43 by appropriate activation of the stator 43
Implementation Method 2
a runner 27 for interaction with a stator 43 of the linear motor, in order to move the transport mover 19 in the transport direction T along a path encompassing the stator 43
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a transport mover for conveying objects, in particular portions, each of which includes at least one slice cut off a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, especially a high-speed slicer. Said transport mover comprises at least one runner for cooperating with a track system in which the transport mover is movable in a direction of travel along at least one predefined track, and at least one carrier for at least one object, said carrier being mounted on the runner. The disclosed transport mover is characterized in that the carrier includes at least one breakthrough, in particular a slot, in order for a processing device, such as a blade or a handling device, to be able to engage therein.