Modular In-Feed Cartridge System for Food Processing Machines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing machines with fixed in-feed configurations struggle to handle varying types and shapes of food products, leading to maintenance issues and high manufacturing costs due to complex systems required for adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A configurable in-feed system for food processing machines, comprising a first frame and multiple in-feed cartridges with moveable belt members driven by motors, allowing for easy reconfiguration and adaptation to different food products by disconnecting and reconnecting cartridges with varying spacing and tension adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed in-feed configuration is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but it can only handle one type of food product with certain dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different types and shapes of food productVSAvoidcomplexity of in-feed system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The in-feed system is divided into multiple independent in-feed cartridges that can be individually selected, removed, and reconfigured. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit with a belt member and base member, allowing the system to be segmented into modular components that can be arranged in different configurations to handle various food product types and dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The in-feed cartridges are designed as universal components that can handle multiple types of food products. The same cartridge design with base member and belt member can accommodate different food shapes and sizes by simply reconfiguring the number and spacing of cartridges, eliminating the need for different specialized in-feed systems for different product types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex system is used to vary the types and shapes of food product, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different types and shapes of food productVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of in-feed system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the in-feed system into identical or similar cartridge units, each with the same basic structure (base member and belt member), the manufacturing process is simplified. Standardized components can be mass-produced using the same manufacturing methods, reducing per-unit cost compared to custom-designed complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The in-feed cartridges are designed as simple, replaceable units that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in a single complex, expensive in-feed system, the modular cartridge approach allows for simpler, more economical individual units that can be swapped out to maintain adaptability at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed in-feed configuration is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but maintenance issues arise when food product varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost of in-feed systemVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty when food product varies

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modular cartridge design allows maintenance personnel to easily remove and replace individual cartridges rather than servicing an entire complex in-feed system. When food product specifications change, only the necessary cartridges need to be swapped out, simplifying maintenance operations compared to reconfiguring a fixed, integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The in-feed system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Cartridges can be added or removed based on the specific food product being processed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than requiring physical modifications or complex adjustments to a fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If in-feed cartridges are reconfigured with varying spaced-apart relation, then adaptability to different food product dimensions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different dimensions of food productVSAvoidcomplexity of reconfiguration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing adjustment capability is achieved through simple, standardized mounting features on each cartridge (such as spaced holes or attachment points) rather than complex adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation of the spacing function into simple discrete positions maintains low device complexity while providing adaptability to different food product dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10160602B2Configurable in-feed for a food processing machine

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 PROVISUR TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A food processing machine includes a first frame, a plurality of in-feed cartridges, and at least one motor. The plurality of in-feed cartridges are connected with the first frame in spaced-apart relation. Each in-feed cartridge includes a base member and a belt member moveably disposed around the base member. The at least one motor is connected with the belt members and configured to drive the belt members of the plurality of in-feed cartridges around their respective base members. The plurality of in-feed cartridges are disconnectable with the first frame and reconfigurable so that any number of the plurality of in-feed cartridges can be reconnected with the first frame in varying spaced-apart relation.