Multi-stage Rotary Food Folder with Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product folding machines have a large installation and operation footprint, and high production capacity, which limits their efficiency and flexibility in production environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage rotary food product folder apparatus with a platform assembly system actuated by a cam system and hard presses, allowing for sequential folding and ejection of food products with reduced space requirements, utilizing a drive system to rotate platform assemblies through indexed positions for precise folding and conveyor belt handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high speed food product folding machine with multiple curved rods extending along the production path is used, then the food product production capacity is increased, but the installation and operation footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear production path with curved rods extending along the length to a rotary platform where platform assemblies are arranged radially around a central axis. This dimensional change from linear to radial layout reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining production capacity through continuous rotational motion and multiple simultaneous folding stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding process is divided into multiple discrete platform assemblies (first, second, third, fourth platform assemblies) arranged at different angular positions around the rotary platform. Each platform assembly handles a specific folding operation, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple food products at different stages, thus maintaining high productivity in a compact space.
2Ease of operation
If multiple curved rods extend the length of the production path for folding, then folding operations can be performed, but the machine takes up significant space for installation and utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The production path is reconfigured from a linear extension to a circular/rotary path. Platform assemblies are positioned at different angular locations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) around the rotary platform, creating a compact circular production path that fits within a smaller footprint while maintaining the sequence of folding operations through rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple platform assemblies at different angular positions, provides the motion path for food products through rotation, and enables sequential folding operations at different stations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate linear components into a single integrated system.
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 enables efficient folding of food products with reduced space and production capacity needs, improving production rate and flexibility by using a compact design with precise folding mechanisms and conveyor belt handling for efficient product ejection.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-stage rotary food product folder apparatus with a platform assembly system actuated by a cam system
Implementation Method 2
a first hard press can be utilized to assist in imparting a force on the flap of the platform assembly to create the first fold of the tortilla
Implementation Method 3
The spring can create a bias force to the movable linkage upon rotation of the movable linkage relative to the fixed linkage
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a multi-stage rotary food product folder apparatus for forming a folded food product, generally including a drive system, a cam system and a platform system. The drive system includes at least one motor and a shaft. Rotation of at least one cam of the cam system can be driven by the shaft of the drive system. The platform assembly can be secured to a platform. The platform can be rotatably driven by the drive system. The cam system engages the platform assembly to fold the folded food product.