Long-Type Pasta Dosing Apparatus with Adaptive Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pasta dosing machines for long-type pasta, such as spaghetti and fettuccine, face inaccuracies due to simplistic linear models that neglect mechanical tolerances and pasta shape variations, requiring frequent manual calibrations to account for production rate changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calibrate the fine dosing channel using a preliminary equation determined by two points and time-adapted with a linear regression model, adjusting the partition element's level to achieve precise dosing, incorporating vibration adjustments based on Pearson's correlation coefficient to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simplistic linear model is used for calibration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to neglecting mechanical tolerances and pasta shape variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static linear calibration model into a dynamic adaptive model that continuously updates calibration parameters during production. The system adjusts the calibration equation based on real-time feedback from weight measurements, allowing the model to adapt to variations in pasta shapes and mechanical tolerances without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual weight of dosed pasta is measured and compared against the target weight. This feedback is used to update the calibration parameters of the linear model, enabling continuous improvement of dosing accuracy while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying model structure
2Manufacturing precision
If periodic manual calibrations are performed, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the productivity deteriorates due to production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous calibration during production by integrating the calibration process into the normal dosing operation. The system performs calibration updates in real-time without requiring production stoppages, maintaining both high dosing accuracy and continuous productivity throughout the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration automatically using real-time weight measurements from the dosing process itself. No manual intervention or external calibration equipment is needed, as the system uses its own operational data to update calibration parameters, eliminating the need for periodic manual calibration interruptions
3Device complexity
If the linear model assumes zero discharge at zero height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to mechanical tolerances and discrete pasta format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions to determine the actual relationship between partition element height and pasta discharge weight before normal operation. This preliminary characterization accounts for mechanical tolerances and discrete pasta effects, establishing an accurate baseline calibration equation that maintains model simplicity while improving precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) for continuously dosing a target weight WTARGET of long-type pasta using a dosing apparatus (1) comprising a rough dosing channel (12) and a fine dosing channel (13) with a partition element (7) transversally movable within the fine dosing channel (13), the method (100) comprising a step of calibrating (101) a level (h) of the partition element (7) in the fine dosing channel (13) by determining (102) a preliminary equation EQ1 of a characteristic straight line of weight (W) as a function of level (h) of the partition element (7) in the fine dosing channel (13), the preliminary equation EQ1 being determined by acquiring coordinates of a first point (A) and of a second point (B) on a plane (h, W) and by calculating the preliminary equation EQ1 as a straight line passing through the points (A, B).