Movable Conveyor Frame for Food Inspection Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product quality control systems face challenges in cleaning and maintenance due to the close proximity and fixed nature of inspection units and conveyor systems, leading to extended downtime and reduced throughput in the food processing industry.
Innovation Solution
A food product quality control system where the conveyor system is mounted on a frame that can move relative to a support structure between operation and maintenance positions, allowing for lateral offset and facilitating access for cleaning and maintenance, while maintaining high positional accuracy for inspection units like X-ray systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the inspection unit and conveyor system are fixed in close proximity to ensure high positional accuracy, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but ease of operation for cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with a movable frame that can transition between a first position for operation and a second position for maintenance. This dynamic configuration allows the conveyor to move relative to the fixed inspection unit, providing access for cleaning and maintenance while maintaining precise positioning during operation. The movable frame enables the conveyor belt and associated components to be repositioned away from the inspection unit without compromising the inspection unit's fixed position.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inspection unit and conveyor system are fixed in close proximity to ensure high positional accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time for cleaning and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable frame design enables the conveyor system to be quickly repositioned between operation and maintenance positions. This dynamic capability reduces the time required to access the conveyor for cleaning and maintenance activities, as the frame can be moved to provide access without requiring complete disassembly or complex manual repositioning. The streamlined movement mechanism minimizes downtime while preserving the precision alignment needed for manufacturing operations.
3Productivity
If the conveyor system is made movable to facilitate cleaning and maintenance, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into separable components, with the conveyor belt and associated mechanisms mounted on a movable frame that can be independently positioned relative to the fixed inspection unit. This segmentation allows the conveyor portion requiring maintenance to be accessed and serviced without affecting the inspection unit. The frame acts as a modular carrier that can be moved to provide access while maintaining the overall system's functional integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A food product quality control system is provided. The system comprises a support structure, an inspection unit for detecting at least one property of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure, and a conveyor system for conveying a food product through and/or past the inspection unit, the conveyor system being mounted on the support structure. The conveyor system comprises a conveying apparatus carried on a frame. The frame is movably mounted to the support structure such that the frame may move relative to the inspection unit between an operation position, at which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit such that food product may be conveyed through and/or past the inspection unit, and a maintenance position, at which the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.