Modular Cartridge for Flexible Stock Roller Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing machines face challenges in accommodating varied numbers and positions of stock rollers, requiring complex assemblies that are not easily adjustable to meet processing needs.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system comprising a base member, stock roller drag brake, nip roller, and chute, which can be easily adjusted and attached to a food processing machine frame, allowing for flexible accommodation of multiple stock rollers and varying sizes, with pneumatic control for regulated feeding and guiding of stock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated assembly of separate components is used to accommodate varied numbers and positions of stock rollers, then the machine can handle diverse food processing needs, but the device complexity increases and adjustability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular cartridges, each containing a stock roller drag brake, nip roller, and chute assembly. These cartridges can be independently attached or removed from the frame, allowing flexible configuration for different stock roller arrangements without complicating the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridges are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple stock rollers with varying sizes and positions. Each cartridge integrates multiple functions (braking, nipping, guiding) into a single standardized unit that can be used in different configurations on the same frame.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for stock handling, then specific functions can be optimized, but the ease of operation and adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stock roller drag brake, nip roller, and chute are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly. This allows the entire stock feeding and guiding mechanism to be adjusted as one unit by simply attaching or removing cartridges, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable functional control.
3Device complexity
If a fixed configuration is used for stock feeding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varied processing needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable setup where cartridges can be easily attached and removed. This allows the stock feeding mechanism to adapt its configuration based on processing needs while maintaining simple individual component designs.
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 cartridge system provides flexible and efficient stock feeding, enabling simultaneous accommodation of multiple stock rollers with adjustable lanes, ensuring regulated feeding and guiding, and simplifying the feeding process with self-contained components for easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The stock roller drag brake is rotatably attached to the base member, and is configured to apply a braking force to the stock roller
Implementation Method 2
The nip roller rotatably is attached to the base member, and is configured to apply a nip force to the feed roller
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge for a food processing machine includes a base member, a stock roller drag brake, a nip roller, and a chute. The stock roller drag brake is rotatably attached to the base member. The nip roller is rotatably attached to the base member. The chute is attached to the base member.