Pasta Cutting Machine Extractor Comb Motorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art cutting and folding machines for producing bow tie shaped pasta are complex due to their operating mechanisms, particularly the extractor comb system, which lacks efficiency and is prone to torsional deformations.

Innovation Solution

The extractor comb is operated using a reciprocating motion controlled by one or two electronically controlled electric motors, preferably brushless motors, synchronized with the movements of the remaining machine parts, allowing for balanced operation and reduced structural complexity, enabling precise control and manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cam and rocker mechanism with compression springs is used to control the extractor comb, then the extractor comb can be operated, but the machine structure becomes particularly complex and torsional deformations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractor comb operationVSAvoidoperating mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical cam and rocker mechanism with a direct electric motor drive system. The electric motor is coupled to the extractor comb through a simple transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for cams, rockers, and compression springs. This substitution of mechanical systems with an electric drive system resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining extractor comb operation while dramatically reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the extractor comb is operated through a cam and rocker mechanism, then the comb can be actuated, but torsional deformations occur in the shaft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractor comb actuationVSAvoidshaft torsional deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the indirect cam and rocker actuation with a direct electric motor drive, eliminating the intermediate mechanical elements that cause torsional deformations. The electric motor provides controlled rotational motion directly to the extractor comb through a simplified transmission, preventing the torsional stresses that occur in the shaft with the traditional mechanical mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If electric motors are used to control the extractor comb, then the structure is simplified and efficiency enhanced, but additional control systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidelectronic control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accepts the trade-off of introducing electronic control systems in exchange for eliminating complex mechanical components. The electric motors are integrated into the existing machine control architecture, and the electronic control provides precise, programmable operation of the extractor comb. This substitution reduces overall mechanical complexity while the electronic control system manages the increased automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies the machine structure, enhances efficiency, reduces noise, and allows for precise adjustment of the extractor comb's movement, effectively addressing the complexity and inefficiency of prior machines while minimizing torsional deformations.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetically actuated mechanism (57) having a moving element (53) constrained to a reciprocating rotational movement about an axis (A-A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the rocker (27) is held in contact with the cam (25) through suitable compression springs (29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2819521B1Pasta cutting and folding machine
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 LANDUCCI
  • EP2819521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2819521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2819521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The cutting and folding machine for producing pasta comprises: a die (11); a punch (13) cooperating with the die (11); folding hands (15, 17) cooperating with the die (11); at least one extractor comb (21) to extract the cut and folded pasta from the die; kinematic mechanisms for synchronized movement of the punch and of the folding hands. The extractor comb (21) is carried by arms (51) constrained to a shaft (53) operated in reciprocal motion about its own axis (A-A) through at least one electric motor (57) separate with respect to the motorization (65) of the folding hands (15, 17) and of the punch (13), and controlled electronically in synchronism with the movement of the folding hands and of the punch.