Uniform Ringed Tubular Casing via Internal Pressure Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing ringed tubular casings result in uneven layer thicknesses around the circumference, leading to inconsistent permeability and shortened usable length, which affects the processing and quality of foodstuffs like sausages.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that simultaneously stretches the tubular casing over its entire circumference during the crowning process, using a modified wreath device with guide rollers and heat treatment to achieve uniform thickness, combining preheating and targeted heating with force transmission to ensure consistent expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the hose casing is deformed through shrinkage in conventional crimping methods, then the crimped shape is achieved, but the layer thickness becomes uneven around the circumference and the usable length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using shrinkage to achieve the crimped shape, the invention applies expansion through internal pressure to inflate the hose casing, causing the material to thin uniformly around the circumference while maintaining consistent layer thickness. This inverted approach transforms the harmful shrinkage effect into a beneficial uniform expansion effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of the hose casing material by controlling internal pressure and temperature during the crimping process. By adjusting these parameters, the material becomes more pliable and expands uniformly, achieving the desired crimped shape with consistent layer thickness throughout.
2Shape
If shrinkage deformation is used in the crimping process, then the crimped shape is formed, but the usable hose length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional shrinkage approach by applying internal pressure to expand the hose casing instead. This expansion process maintains the original length of the hose while achieving the crimped shape, thereby preserving the usable length for customer application.
3Shape
If conventional crimping methods are used, then the crimped shape is achieved, but the permeability becomes inconsistent around the circumference
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the deformation mechanism from shrinkage to expansion and controlling temperature and pressure parameters, the invention ensures uniform material distribution around the circumference. This results in consistent permeability characteristics throughout the crimped hose casing, improving reliability for smoke and flavor distribution.
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 method produces tubular casings with uniform layer thickness and improved permeability, maintaining the original length and ensuring consistent flavor and smoke distribution across the sausage surface, facilitating easier peeling and improved efficiency in processing.
Implementation Method 1
by means of force transmission through the guide rollers, a pull is additionally exerted on the hose sheath so that it is stretched overall
Implementation Method 2
The heat treatment of the hose guided through the wreath device is preferably carried out by hot air being directed to the inside of the hose coil and the hot air being distributed evenly over the circumference of the hose sheath
Implementation Method 3
an initially uncrowned hose casing made of thermoplastic material is fed to the crowning device in a sectionally inflated state and is guided through the crowning device by means of driven guide rollers, heating it and forming a helical hose
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to crimped tube casings, in particular for food products, with a uniform casing thickness based on the caliber circumference, and to a method for manufacturing such tube casings.