Meatball Rolling Machine with Reciprocating Upper Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meatball rolling equipment lacks precision in forming spherical shapes and requires additional equipment for lateral dispersion, leading to inefficiencies in cooking, frying, freezing, and dehydration processes.
Innovation Solution
A meatball rolling machine with a combination of lower, upper, and reciprocating conveyer functions, featuring a precision vertical adjustment mechanism and counterweight system to impart multi-directional motion, allowing the upper conveyer to move at a higher speed than the lower conveyer and laterally reciprocate, creating a near-spherical shape and eliminating the need for separate dispersal equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stationary plate with pattern is used to prevent slippage, then meatball formation is simple, but manufacturing precision is insufficient and additional equipment is needed for lateral dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveyer function with the shaping function by making the upper conveyer move laterally while transporting meatballs. This integrates the lateral dispersion function into the conveyer system itself, eliminating the need for separate dispersal equipment while achieving precise meatball formation through the combined longitudinal and lateral motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper conveyer performs multiple functions: it conveys meatballs longitudinally, imparts lateral motion for dispersion, and provides the shaping action through its reciprocating movement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate equipment, reducing overall device complexity while improving manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If upper conveyer moves at higher speed than lower conveyer, then meatball rolling precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to speed control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic speed control where the upper conveyer operates at a variable speed different from the lower conveyer. The system dynamically adjusts the speed relationship between the two conveyers to optimize meatball rolling precision, using independent motor control to maintain the appropriate speed differential throughout the forming process.
3Shape
If lateral motion is imparted to product, then spherical shape is formed, but vibration increases requiring counterweight system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterweight system that balances the lateral motion forces generated by the upper conveyer. The counterweight offsets the vibration and unwanted oscillations caused by the reciprocating lateral movement, allowing the meatballs to receive the necessary lateral impulse for spherical formation while minimizing harmful vibrations during the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A food product rolling machine which comprises a combination of lower, upper and reciprocating functions with a vertical adjustment between upper and lower conveyers for the manufacture of a more precise food product.