Sensor system for patty forming machine and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume automated molding machines for food patties face challenges in accurately controlling the position of the stripper plate relative to the mold, leading to inconsistent filling and product quality due to variations in food product temperature and caking, which affects the timing and movement of the stripper plate.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensors to determine the positions of the stripper plate and mold, coupled with a processor to dynamically adjust the movement of the stripper plate, ensuring it is in the correct position relative to the mold for consistent filling, utilizing a drive mechanism with hydraulic cylinders or servo motors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated molding machines operate at high volume, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in stripper plate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual position of the stripper plate and mold, feeds this information to a controller, which then adjusts the stripper plate positioning in real-time to maintain consistent filling despite high-speed operation variations
Solution Approach 2:
The stripper plate positioning system transitions from static fixed positioning to dynamic adjustable positioning, allowing the system to adapt stripper plate location in real-time based on actual mold position and filling requirements during high-volume operation
2Manufacturing precision
If stripper plate movement timing is adjusted to accommodate temperature variations and caking, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Position sensors provide real-time feedback on stripper plate and mold locations to the controller, enabling automatic timing adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical timing mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and a controller to automatically manage stripper plate positioning timing, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
A patty forming machine is configured to mold food products. The machine includes a stripper plate through which food product is configured to pass when the stripper plate is in a fill position, a sensor configured to determine positions of the stripper plate, a movable mold, and a sensor configured to determine positions of the mold. A processor is operatively coupled with the sensors. The processor is configured to receive information from the sensors and to determine when the stripper plate is to be moved from the non-fill position to the fill position relative to a determined position of the mold.