Racetrack Dispensing Apparatus for Precise Substrate Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses for topping or filling moving substrates, such as pizza shells, lack precision and flexibility, often resulting in product deposition on the periphery of the substrate, which can lead to incomplete sealing and health hazards, especially in frozen food packaging.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing apparatus with a movable base and adjustable components, including a racetrack configured funnel group that synchronizes with the conveyor system to ensure precise product deposition onto the substrate, preventing peripheral deposition through a combination of receiving conveyor assemblies, rake assemblies, and synchronized funnel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity-based dispensing is used, then the dispensing process is simple, but product deposition accuracy deteriorates causing peripheral deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the dispensing apparatus movable rather than stationary. The base includes casters for horizontal movement, and the head assembly can be vertically adjusted and horizontally repositioned along the conveyor. This dynamic positioning capability allows the apparatus to synchronize with moving substrates, maintaining precise product deposition accuracy while keeping the overall dispensing process relatively simple.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed mounting is used, then installation is stable, but adaptability to different conveyor systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by designing the base with casters that enable horizontal movement and repositioning, while the head assembly can be vertically adjusted along guide rails. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to be easily adapted to different conveyor systems and positions without requiring fixed installation, thereby achieving both operational stability and high adaptability for retrofit applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a multi-functional apparatus that can serve multiple conveyor systems and applications. The movable base with adjustable head assembly can be configured for different substrate types (pizza shells, fruit pies, frozen food containers) and conveyor speeds, making it a universal solution that enhances adaptability while maintaining installation stability through proper positioning.
3Productivity
If peripheral deposition occurs, then production speed is maintained, but product quality and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Feedback principle by incorporating sensors that detect the position and movement of substrates on the conveyor. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the dispensing apparatus position and timing, ensuring precise product deposition onto the substrate center while maintaining production speed. The feedback mechanism prevents peripheral deposition by continuously monitoring and correcting positioning errors.
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
The apparatus ensures precise and efficient deposition of products onto moving substrates, preventing peripheral deposition and enhancing production speed and safety by allowing for easy retrofitting and maintenance, while maintaining a clean and robust construction.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving conveyor assembly for transporting product to be dispensed
Implementation Method 2
a racetrack configured funnel group mounted below the receiving conveyor assembly, and the funnel group including a plurality of dispensing funnels
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus including an adjustable intake conveyor assembly, two receiving conveyor assemblies to receive product from the intake conveyor assembly, two rake assemblies for metering the product on the receiving conveyor assemblies, two upper funnels at downstream ends of the receiving conveyor assemblies for containing and redirecting product, two funnel groups to pass product falling from the upper funnels to targets moving below the funnel groups. Each funnel group includes a plurality of dispensing funnels, and each dispensing funnel is connected to adjacent dispensing funnels and moves along a racetrack shaped rail in synchronization with the moving targets below the dispensing funnels. A guide pan lowers and raises the dispensing funnels toward and away from the targets for precise deposits.