Robotized Chocolate Mould Line for Flexible Product Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chocolate production lines are inflexible, complex to convert between different products, and lack compact, highly efficient, and easily configurable robotized solutions for small batch production.
Innovation Solution
A robotized production line with anthropomorphic robots and modular chambers for chocolate production, featuring a casting, refrigerated, and demoulding chamber, utilizing transfer conveyors, heating, cleaning, and vibration units, and robots with articulated arms for efficient operation and product changeover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed conveyor lines are used for chocolate production, then high production rates with great precision can be achieved, but the lines are inflexible and complex to convert between different products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic robotized system where anthropomorphic robots with articulated arms replace fixed conveyor mechanisms. The robots can dynamically adjust their movements and operations to handle different chocolate products, mould configurations, and production sequences, enabling both high productivity and flexibility without the rigidity of traditional fixed lines
Solution Approach 2:
The robotized production line uses universal robotic manipulators that can perform multiple operations (filling, vibrating, cooling, twisting, extraction) and adapt to various product types and mould configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to maintain high production rates while easily converting between different chocolate products
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional conveyor chains are used to move moulds among working stations, then a fixed production sequence can be maintained, but the system lacks compactness and efficiency for small batch production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveyor chains with robotized manipulators that use controlled movements to transfer moulds between operations. This substitution maintains stable production sequences through programmable control while achieving greater system compactness and eliminating the space-consuming fixed conveyor infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The robotized system operates in three-dimensional space with articulated arms that can move moulds vertically and horizontally between chambers, rather than being constrained to linear conveyor paths. This dimensional freedom enables compact chamber arrangements while maintaining stable production sequences through programmed robot movements
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional production lines are designed for specific products, then high precision production can be achieved, but conversion to different products becomes complex or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic robotic systems with programmable control that can adapt precision operations to different products through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. The articulated robots maintain manufacturing precision through controlled movements while enabling easy product conversion by simply changing program parameters and tooling configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The robotized line enables product conversion by changing operational parameters (speeds, temperatures, vibration frequencies, positioning coordinates) controlled by the programmable system, rather than requiring physical modifications to the production line infrastructure, thus maintaining precision while simplifying conversion
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
Enables flexible and efficient production of various chocolate products with reduced complexity, improved cleanliness, and cost-effective setup changes, enhancing production efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration unit (20) configured to vibrate the moulds (6)
Implementation Method 2
The transfer conveyor (5) has a middle section which extends outside the chambers (2, 3, 4) through a heating tunnel (8)
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerated chamber (3) configured to receive the moulds (6) from the casting chamber (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A robotized line for the production of chocolate products, including a casting chamber, a refrigerated chamber and a demoulding chamber, wherein each of the chambers is equipped with an anthropomorphic robot able to move the moulds during several steps of the production process.