Pivotable Blade Feed Roller for Food Mass Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food depositing apparatuses face issues with mass slipping through due to geometrical misfit between rollers, wear from abrasive particles leading to decreased pressure and accuracy, and complex mechanisms that reduce operational efficiency and extend service intervals.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features pivotable blades with trailing edges maintained in recesses and radially movable front edges, ensuring continuous engagement and gentle handling of mass, with the option to use durable materials for abrasive-resistant blades, and a cam system for defined blade movement, maintaining pressure and preventing mass recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed rectangular vanes are used on the feed roller, then mass transport is provided, but mass slips through due to geometrical misfit with the valve roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the blades pivotable rather than fixed. The blades are arranged in recesses that allow them to rotate between an extended position (for mass engagement and transport) and a retracted position (for clean passage through the valve opening). This dynamic movement resolves the geometrical misfit problem by adapting the blade position to the operational phase, preventing mass slippage while maintaining transport efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If abrasive particles are present in the mass, then product variety is increased, but wear on roller surfaces increases leading to decreased pressure and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a smooth, continuous roller surface without protruding elements that would be subject to wear. The blades are contained within recesses and only extend when needed, minimizing contact with abrasive particles. This design protects the roller surface from wear while still enabling effective mass transport and deposition accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms with multiple moving parts are used, then mass handling capability is improved, but service intervals are extended and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a system where the blade recesses automatically perform multiple functions through their geometry alone. The recesses provide blade mounting, define the pivot motion path, and create the necessary clearance spaces. This eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to control blade movement, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective mass handling capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Food depositing apparatus (1) comprising an elongated trough (2), at least one feed roller (12) arranged longitudinally in the trough (2) and in distance of the inside (18) of the trough (2). A mass transportation gap (19) is extending to at least one longitudinal mass deposit opening (13) at the bottom (14) of the trough (2). The feed roller periphery (15) comprises a number of longitudinally extending recesses (17) in each of which is arranged a pivotable blade (17). The blades (17) are movable between an outer position (A) and an inner position (B). The trailing edges (21) of the blades (17) are maintained in engagement with the trailing sides (22) of the recesses (16) thereby providing the pivots (23), and so that the front edges (24) of the blades (17) are radially movable by the pivotable movements. During revolution of the feed roller (12) through the trough (2), the pivotable blades (17) are pivoted to their outer position (A) thereby gripping the mass in the trough (2). The blades (17) are thereby transporting mass from the trough (2) and through the mass transportation gap (19) towards the longitudinal mass deposit opening (13). When passing over the mass deposit opening (13) the particular blades (17) are returned to its inner position (B) and the mass is continuously exposed through the opening (13). The blades may be made of any materials adapted for the particular mass properties and which suits the particular purpose of use. The blades can potentially last for many hours of use longer than those made of flexible materials as applied by the prior art. The service intervals are then extremely extended in comparison to the prior art. The apparatus is fast and simple to dismantle, clean and rearrange again for new production. In the long run, the inventive apparatus then becomes especially economic in use. Hereby is obtained a food depositing apparatus that provides an especially advantageous operating economy.