Retracting food processing device in a food processing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food processing machines face issues with costly and unreliable systems for moving food processing devices towards and away from food products, which are complex and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A food processing system utilizing a driving pulley, driven pulley, motor, belt, and actuator, where the motor rotates the driving pulley to rotate the belt, which in turn rotates the driven pulley and connected food processing device, with the actuator moving the driven pulley and device between extended and retracted positions, allowing the device to be positioned further away from the belt in the extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex systems are used to move food processing devices towards and away from food products, then the devices can be positioned accurately, but the system becomes costly and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the food processing device from its traditional fixed mounting and separates it into an independent movable module. The device is mounted on a carriage that can be independently moved along the conveyor by a drawworks mechanism, rather than being integrated into the conveyor structure itself. This extraction allows the positioning system to be simplified while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports the food product continuously through the processing area and simultaneously provides the mechanical framework for the movable carriage system. The drawworks mechanism serves dual purposes by both positioning the processing device and controlling its movement along the conveyor path, eliminating the need for separate complex positioning systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex systems are used to move food processing devices towards and away from food products, then the devices can be positioned accurately, but the system takes up a great deal of space
Solution Approach 1:
The food processing device is mounted on a carriage that nests within or alongside the conveyor structure. The carriage can be retracted into the conveyor framework when not in use, and only extends into the food product path when positioning is required. This nesting approach allows precise positioning capability while minimizing the overall space occupied by the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed mounting to dynamic movable mounting. The carriage and processing device move along with the conveyor flow, allowing positioning precision to be achieved through controlled movement rather than through complex fixed adjustment mechanisms that would require more space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional systems are used to move food processing devices, then the devices can be repositioned, but the systems are costly and require frequent repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The drawworks mechanism is driven by the conveyor's own motion, utilizing the conveyor motor to power the repositioning of the processing device. The system repositions itself through the mechanical connection between the conveyor belt and the drawworks drum, eliminating the need for separate expensive motorized positioning systems and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary element that transfers mechanical energy from the conveyor motor to the drawworks mechanism. This intermediary connection allows the processing device to be repositioned using the existing conveyor infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional costly repositioning systems while maintaining adaptability.
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
This solution reduces costs, increases reliability, and minimizes space usage while allowing precise positioning of food processing devices, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of food processing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The belt is connected with the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The driving pulley is configured to rotate the belt. The belt is configured to rotate the driven pulley.
Data Source
AI summary
A food processing system includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, a motor, a belt, and an actuator. The motor is configured to rotate the driving pulley. The belt is connected with the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The driving pulley is configured to rotate the belt. The belt is configured to rotate the driven pulley. The actuator is connected with the driven pulley. The actuator is configured to move the driven pulley relative to the belt between an extended position and a retracted position.