Modular Cookie Extruder with Rotating Die and Wire Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cookie manufacturing machinery is limited by the need for separate machines for different production tasks, such as extruding dough and aerated creams, and faces inefficiencies due to the requirement of moving complete extruder systems, which complicates maintenance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular cookie manufacturing apparatus with a flexible extruder system and a rotating extrusion die, combined with a wire cutting assembly, allowing for multiple product lanes, temperature control, and efficient deposition without needing to move the entire machine, using a pivot stand to maintain pace with conveyor belts and reduce maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete extruder system is moved to adapt to conveyor belt speed, then speed adaptability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extruder system into separable components: a stationary extruder body and a movable die head. The die head can be independently positioned to match conveyor belt speed while the main extruder remains fixed, eliminating the need to move the entire system and reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pivot stand as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary extruder and the moving die head. This pivot stand allows the die head to be positioned at the correct speed-matching location without requiring the entire extruder system to move, thereby maintaining speed adaptability while simplifying the overall system structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate machines are used for different production tasks (dough extrusion and aerated cream extrusion), then product versatility is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the extruder with a universal die head that can be quickly changed to perform different extrusion tasks. The same extruder system can extrude both dough and aerated creams by simply changing the die, eliminating the need for separate machines and improving production efficiency while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a movable and replaceable die head mechanism that allows rapid reconfiguration of the extruder for different products. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between different production tasks without requiring separate dedicated machines, thereby improving both versatility and productivity.
3Speed
If the extruder system is made movable to match conveyor speed, then speed matching is improved, but reliability and safety worsen due to frequent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the movable die head from the stationary extruder body. Only the die head needs to be positioned to match conveyor speed, while the main extruder remains fixed and stable. This segmentation maintains speed matching capability while improving reliability by minimizing movement of the entire system.
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
Enables the production of a diverse range of cookie products with varying ingredients and shapes, improving speed, versatility, and reducing maintenance costs while ensuring accurate and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting assembly comprises at least one groove and a wire attached through the groove. The cutting assembly is located at a position to cut the extruded plurality of materials with the wire moving in a substantially vertical motion from the extrusion die.
Implementation Method 2
The extruder comprises a pump system and a rotating extrusion die removably connected to the pump system, wherein the rotating extrusion die comprises at least one product channel for receiving and extruding the plurality of materials.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a food manufacturing apparatus comprising a feed system for inputting a plurality of materials, an extruder and a cutting assembly. The extruder comprises a pump system and a rotating extrusion die removably connected to the pump system, wherein the rotating extrusion die comprises at least one product channel for receiving and extruding the plurality of materials. The cutting assembly comprises at least one groove and a wire attached through the groove. The feed system is attached to the extruder and the cutting assembly is located at a position to cut the extruded plurality of materials with the wire from the rotating extrusion die.