Roller Position Control in Almond Peeling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing almond peeling machines face issues with roller wear and require manual adjustment of the distance between rollers, which affects the peeling process's quality and efficiency due to the small working range and sensitivity to wear.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transmission shaft, such as a lead screw, coupled to rollers via reversely threaded couplings, operated by a motor for precise adjustment of the roller distance, using a measurement device to maintain optimal friction based on parameters like torque, ensuring automatic and permanent positional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of roller distance is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to maintain precise positions within small working range
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by automatically detecting roller wear through torque measurements and autonomously adjusting roller positions to compensate for wear, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining precision within the small 4mm working range
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring torque parameters during peeling operations, comparing measured values against reference values, and automatically adjusting roller distances to maintain optimal friction conditions despite roller wear accumulation
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic adjustment device is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of motor and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a streamlined motor-driven lead screw assembly controlled by a microprocessor, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated electro-mechanical control that achieves superior precision with reduced operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting roller distance based on real-time torque measurements and wear detection, allowing the mechanism to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining optimal performance through parameter optimization rather than fixed mechanical settings
3Productivity
If roller friction is increased for better peeling, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accelerated roller wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by continuously adapting roller pressure and distance based on real-time torque measurements, allowing the friction force to be optimized for maximum peeling efficiency while automatically compensating for wear to maintain consistent performance and extend roller lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting roller wear trends through torque monitoring and proactively adjusting roller positions before excessive wear occurs, preventing reliability deterioration while maintaining optimal friction conditions for sustained high productivity
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 precise and automatic adjustment of the roller distance, reducing wear-related issues and improving peeling efficiency by maintaining consistent friction, thus enhancing the quality and productivity of the peeling process.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission shaft, such as a lead screw or a similar device, coupled to a pair of rollers
Implementation Method 2
The control of this established value is carried out by means of the device of this invention, which enables a mutual approach or separation of the rollers of each pair
Implementation Method 3
the friction of the rollers on the almonds causes the manufacture material to wear out with time
Data Source
AI summary
A device for regulating and adjusting a distance between pairs of adjacent rollers in a peeling machine for almonds and similar dried fruits is provided, wherein the rollers are horizontally aligned at both sides of a central plane through which the product to be peeled is passed, the device including a movement transmission shaft coupled to each pair of adjacent rollers, a motor for operation of the movement transmission shaft, wherein the motor is coupled to one of the ends of the transmission shaft, a torque meter for measuring torque at various positions of the rollers, wherein the torque meter is coupled to a spin axis of at least one of the rollers in the pair, and a sensor for measuring and regulating a working distance between the rollers, wherein the sensor is coupled to at least the other roller in the pair.