Pasta Dosing Machine Segmented Weighing and Finishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pasta dosing machines for long-type pasta suffer from uncertainties in dosing accuracy and prolonged process times, leading to inconsistent package quantities and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

The pasta dosing machine design reduces the distance between the weighing basket and the conveyor belt by incorporating a horizontally movable blade and a synchronized rotor with radial recesses, along with multiple weight measurers and motors for precise dosing and weighing operations, and a vibrating system for efficient pasta flow, allowing for faster and more accurate dosing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a rotor with radial recess is used to transfer pasta in the roughing channel, then the dosing process can be automated, but the process time increases and dosing accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated dosing processVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing process is divided into two independent channels: a roughing channel for bulk dosing and a finishing channel for precise adjustment. The roughing channel uses a rotor with radial recesses to quickly transfer pasta portions, while the finishing channel performs fine dosing. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function, reducing overall process time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A weighing basket positioned between the roughing and finishing channels serves as an intermediary element. It receives pasta from the rotor, allows for weight measurement and verification, and then transfers the measured pasta to the finishing channel. This intermediary step enables process optimization by separating the quick transfer function from the precise dosing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the distance between the weighing basket unloading axis and the conveyor belt axis is reduced, then the pasta transfer efficiency improves, but the machine structure becomes more compact and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepasta transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing basket is positioned such that its unloading axis is vertically aligned near the conveyor belt axis, minimizing horizontal transfer distance. The pasta falls vertically from the basket into the finishing channel, which is positioned directly below or adjacent to the basket. This vertical arrangement in another dimension reduces the transfer path length without requiring complex lateral positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances dosing accuracy and reduces process times by enabling faster and more precise control over pasta quantities, ensuring consistent package amounts and improving overall operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a vibrating device (81) arranged on the upper part of machine (100)... The pasta that flows into channel (2) undergoes a dosing operation... connected to a second vibrating device (82) to facilitate the descent of the pasta into the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a basket (19) connected to a weight measurer (20)... with the basket (19) positioned at a given distance from the conveyor belt (67)... the weight measurer (20)... emits an electronic signal corresponding to weighing being completed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3142927B1Pasta dosing machine, particularly for long-type pasta
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 CYBORGLINE SA
  • EP3142927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3142927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3142927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pasta dosing machine is described, comprising at least one channel for roughing the pasta, provided with first dosing means, a first basket for collecting the dosed pasta and a device adapted to weigh the pasta collected in said first basket, at least one channel for finishing the pasta, provided with second dosing means, and a further basket for collecting the pasta unloaded from said first basket and from said finishing channel, and a further device adapted to weigh the pasta collected in said further basket.