Modular Pouring Assembly for Faster Product Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pouring machines for products like chocolate into molds on conveyor lines are time-consuming to change and maintain due to the need for manual disconnection and reconnection of multiple components, especially when switching between different products.
Innovation Solution
A pouring machine design featuring an interchangeable module with a frame and L-section arms that allows for easy removal and replacement, using synchronized motors and actuators to manage the pistons and dispensers, enabling quick detachment and reattachment without altering the axial positions of the drive and driven shafts, facilitating rapid module exchange and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hopper, pour plate, and pour assembly are changed independently with manual disconnection, then each component can be replaced separately, but the production change time becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper, stirring device, and metering assembly are merged into a single integrated module that moves and is replaced as one unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for manual disconnection and reconnection of multiple separate components, directly reducing production change time while maintaining full replaceability of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouring machine is segmented into distinct modular units (hopper module, carriage module, conveyor module) that can be independently replaced. The integrated hopper-metering assembly forms one replaceable module, allowing rapid production changes without affecting other parts of the system.
2Ease of repair
If the hopper and metering assembly are removed one after the other with manual disconnection, then maintenance and cleaning work can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper and metering assembly are combined into a single maintenance module that can be removed together as one unit. This integration maintains ease of repair by allowing the entire assembly to be accessed and replaced simultaneously, eliminating the sequential manual disconnection process and significantly reducing maintenance time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections between parts are disconnected manually, then component replacement is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connections (hopper to carriage, metering assembly to carriage, stirring device to hopper) are merged into a single modular unit that moves together. This eliminates the need for operators to manually disconnect and reconnect multiple separate connections, simplifying the replacement operation to a single module exchange while maintaining full product change capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pouring machine (1; 1a) has a tank (20; 20a); and a pour assembly (22; 22a) having a rotary dispenser (25; 25a), and horizontal pistons (24; 24a) which perform an intake stroke to draw product from the tank, and a compression stroke to force the drawn-in product out downwards. A frame (13; 13a) supports the motors powering the pistons (24; 24a) and the dispenser (25; 25a); and the tank (20; 20a) and the pour assembly (22; 22a) form part of a module (15; 15a) removable in one piece and having two opposite lateral appendixes (37; 37a) which rest respectively in fixed positions on two horizontal arms (18; 18a) of the frame (13; 13a).