Automated Pan Shaker with Multi-Directional Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pan shakers are limited by their single orbital movement, which may not effectively center dough in molds of varying pan configurations and sizes, and their magnetic bases are insufficient for larger pans.
Innovation Solution
An automated pan shaker with a carriage assembly, clamping assembly, and actuation assembly that allows for both longitudinal and lateral movement, using a combination of actuator linkages and motors to induce customizable orbital movements, enabling secure clamping and shaking of pans of different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single orbital movement is used to shake the pan, then the device structure is simple, but the dough centering effectiveness is insufficient for various pan configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker mechanism transitions from a fixed single orbital movement to a dynamic multi-directional movement system. The shaker arm can oscillate in multiple directions (longitudinal, lateral, and diagonal) with adjustable amplitudes and frequencies, allowing the system to adapt to different pan configurations and dough types, thereby improving dough centering precision without requiring a completely different mechanism for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaking motion is segmented into independent directional components (longitudinal oscillation, lateral oscillation, and orbital movement). Each direction can be controlled independently through separate drive mechanisms, allowing the system to combine these movements in various patterns to effectively center dough in different pan configurations, resolving the contradiction between movement effectiveness and system complexity.
2Force
If a magnetic base is used to attach to the pan, then the attachment method is simple, but the clamping force is insufficient for larger pans
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system is replaced with a mechanical clamping system that uses the shaker arm itself to apply direct mechanical force to the pan. The clamping force is generated through the weight and motion of the shaker arm, which can be adjusted to accommodate pans of various sizes, providing sufficient force without relying on magnetic strength limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism allows for adjustable clamping force parameters based on pan size and weight. The system can modify the amplitude and intensity of the shaker arm's motion to generate appropriate clamping forces for different pan configurations, ensuring effective attachment while maintaining flexibility across various pan sizes.
3Productivity
If the pan size increases, then the production capacity is improved, but the magnetic base becomes insufficient for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static magnetic base to a dynamic mechanical clamping system where the shaker arm actively engages the pan during operation. The clamping force is continuously applied and adjusted during the shaking process, ensuring reliable attachment even for larger, heavier pans that would exceed magnetic base capabilities, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated pan shaker has a central longitudinal axis and a central lateral axis. The automated pan shaker includes a shaker assembly that has a carriage assembly, a clamping assembly supported by the carriage assembly and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly further includes an actuator post connected to the carriage assembly, a first actuator assembly that includes a first actuator linkage connected to the actuator post, and a second actuator assembly that includes a second actuator linkage connected to the actuator post. Also disclosed is a method for inducing orbital movement in a bakery pan using a plurality of offset actuation assemblies.