Pasty Part Assembly with Universal Interface for Shape Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for producing pasty shaped parts, such as cylinders or spheres, require multiple machines and modules with different functional principles, leading to high costs, time-consuming retrofitting, and labor-intensive processes when changing product shapes.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly system with interchangeable shape-generating elements using a universal drive and bearing interface, allowing quick and simple conversion between different shapes, including rotary knives and perforated discs, with a mounting carrier that supports stable shaping and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machines with different functional principles are used to produce different shaped parts, then the ability to produce various shapes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting carrier that can accommodate different shape-generating elements (perforated discs for spheres, diaphragms for rounded parts, rotary knives for cylinders) through a standardized interface. This allows a single machine to perform multiple shaping functions by simply exchanging the shape-generating element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules with different shape-generating elements are exchanged to change product shapes, then the versatility is improved, but the retrofitting time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the shaping function into a separate, exchangeable shape-generating element that can be independently replaced. The mounting carrier remains stationary and provides a universal interface, while only the shape-generating element needs to be exchanged when changing product shapes. This segmentation reduces retrofitting time and labor by isolating the component that requires replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting carrier is pre-equipped with a universal drive and bearing interface that is designed to accommodate multiple types of shape-generating elements. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure allows for quick exchange of shape-generating elements without requiring modifications to the base system, thereby reducing retrofitting time.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rotary knife is used to produce circular cylindrical shaped parts, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to produce rounded shaped parts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting carrier with its universal interface allows the system to switch between a rotary knife for high-precision cylindrical parts and other shape-generating elements like perforated discs or diaphragms for rounded shapes. This universal mounting system maintains the ability to achieve high manufacturing precision with the rotary knife while also providing versatility to produce different shapes by exchanging the shape-generating element.
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
Enables efficient production of various shaped parts with high dimensional accuracy, reducing costs and time required for retrofitting, and maintaining product quality by minimizing transport distance and using a universal drive.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary knife has one or a plurality of preferably sickle-shaped cutting edges distributed around a knife axis
Implementation Method 2
The perforated disc mechanism, on the other hand, can be used to produce round, drop-shaped or rounded shaped parts
Implementation Method 3
A shaped tube defining the respective strand cross-section can be exchangeably fixed in a passage of the mounting carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly between a filling machine and a conveyor for the production of pasty shaped parts, having various shape-generating elements which are adapted to the respective shape of differently shaped parts and can be driven, has an outlet and at least one universal drive and bearing interface for the shape-generating elements which can be driven via the interface.