Modular Chute Modules for Portioning Machine Turret Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magazine turret attachments for portioning machines are inflexible and labor-intensive to adapt to different strand-like products, as they are limited to a single integrally formed drum and require significant physical effort to change cross-sectional shapes, leading to inefficiencies and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A magazine turret attachment with a rotatable turret base and interchangeable chute modules of varying shapes and sizes, allowing for easy adaptation to different cross-sections and reducing weight through non-rotationally symmetrical designs, enabling flexible and efficient handling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If turret segments are used to adapt to different cross-sections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The turret base is segmented into a modular system where individual chute modules can be independently attached or detached. Each chute module corresponds to a specific chute in the turret base, allowing selective replacement rather than replacing entire turret segments. This segmentation enables adaptability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute modules are designed with universal attachment features that can be applied to different chutes in the turret base. The same type of chute module can serve multiple chutes, and the modular design allows a single set of modules to adapt to various cross-sectional requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized turret segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If turret segments are used to adapt to different cross-sections, then adaptability is improved, but physical effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the turret into a stationary base and detachable chute modules, the system eliminates the need to handle heavy turret segments. Individual chute modules are lightweight and can be easily attached or detached from specific chutes, significantly reducing the physical effort required for adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute modules are extracted as separate, independent components from the traditional integrated turret segment design. This extraction allows the chute modules to be handled individually rather than as part of a heavy segment assembly, reducing the force required for changing configurations.
3Strength
If traditional turret segments are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turret system is divided into a stationary structural base and lightweight movable chute modules. The structural integrity is maintained in the fixed turret base, while the movable modules are minimized in weight since they only need to attach and detach rather than support structural loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional elements (chute modules) are extracted from the structural elements (turret base). This separation allows the structural base to maintain integrity while the extracted modules can be optimized for minimal weight, as they serve only functional purposes during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magazine turret attachment for a portioning machine for dividing a strand-like product into individual portions and a portioning machine having such a magazine turret attachment. The magazine turret attachment includes a turret base rotatable about a rotation axis which has at least one chute extending through the turret base and the chute axis of which extends at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the turret base; and at least one first chute module which may be reversibly arranged on the turret base in the area of the first chute and which is provided with only one chute extending through said first chute module and the chute axis of which extends coaxially to the chute axis of the first chute of the turret base and the cross-section of which corresponds at least approximately to the cross-section of the at least one chute of the turret base in order to form a first reception chute for a strand-like product.