Quick Release Coupling for Food Conveyor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processing machines face challenges in quickly removing and cleaning conveyor modules, which are time-consuming and expensive, and do not allow for easy substitution or adaptation to different types of conveyors.
Innovation Solution
A system with a quick release coupling unit and detachable conveyor module design that simplifies mounting and demounting, enabling easy cleaning and the use of various conveyor types, including band and link conveyors, by using a coupling unit with a first and second coupling sub-assembly and a drive unit with a sensor device for speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conveyor module is fixedly mounted to the framework, then the positioning of the food product is exact and the weighing is precise, but the removal of the conveyor module is time-consuming and the cleaning is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor module is divided into separate components that can be quickly detached from the framework using a coupling mechanism. The coupling unit allows the conveyor module to be segmented into removable parts, enabling rapid removal while maintaining positioning precision during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a fixed state during operation to a quickly detachable state for removal and cleaning. The dynamic coupling system allows the conveyor module to be securely mounted during processing but easily removed when needed, resolving the contradiction between stable positioning and quick removal.
2Measurement precision
If the conveyor module is fixedly mounted to the framework, then the positioning of the food product is exact, but the cleaning of the injector and conveyor is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor module is segmented into detachable components that can be separated from the framework. This segmentation allows the conveyor module to be removed for cleaning while maintaining exact positioning during operation, making cleaning much easier without compromising positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor module can be extracted from the framework using the quick-release coupling mechanism. This extraction enables easy removal of the conveyor module for cleaning purposes while maintaining precise positioning during the food treatment process.
3Measurement precision
If the conveyor module is fixedly mounted, then the positioning is precise, but the substitution or exchange of conveyor types is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different types of conveyor modules. This universal interface allows various conveyor types (band conveyors, link conveyors, etc.) to be substituted while maintaining precise positioning, enhancing the system's adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed, permanent attachment to a dynamic, interchangeable coupling mechanism. This dynamic design enables easy substitution of different conveyor types while maintaining precise positioning during operation.
4Productivity
If the drive unit is integrated with the conveyor module, then the drive is direct, but the disassembly is extremely complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into a separate component that can be independently detached from the conveyor module using the coupling mechanism. This segmentation maintains direct driving efficiency during operation while simplifying disassembly by allowing the drive unit to be removed as a separate module.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit can be extracted from the conveyor module assembly using the quick-release coupling. This extraction maintains direct driving efficiency during operation but greatly simplifies disassembly and maintenance by allowing the drive unit to be removed independently.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (S) for treating food products. The system (S) comprises a framework (10), at least one processing module (I) supported by the framework (10), at least one conveyor module (100) which has at least one drivable conveyor element (132) for feeding the food product to be treated to the processing module (I) and discharging the treated food product from the processing module (I) and which is removably mounted on the framework (10), at least one drive unit (60) supported on the framework (10) with a drive motor (62) for driving the at least one conveyor element (132) of the conveyor module (100), and a coupling unit (80) with at least a first and a second coupling sub-assembly (70, 72). The first coupling sub-assembly (70) supported on the framework (10) is rotationally coupled to the drive motor (62), and the second coupling sub-assembly (72) supported on the conveyor module (100) is rotationally coupled to the at least one conveyor element (132) of the conveyor module (100), and the coupling unit (80) is a quick release coupling unit. The present invention further relates to a conveyor module (100) for use in a food processing machine, in particular an injector apparatus for injecting injectate into a food product.