Rotating Applicator for Vertical Line Coating on Confectionery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately and efficiently apply parallel vertical lines onto vertically oriented products during horizontal movement in industrial manufacturing processes, particularly in the confectionery industry, leading to unsatisfactory decorative patterns on frozen confections.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable applicator spinning around a horizontal axis with openings along its circumference, combined with a shield to collect and redirect excess coating material, allows for the precise application of straight, unblurred vertical lines onto vertically oriented products by projecting liquid coating material in a controlled manner, preventing droplet formation and unwanted splashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe with multiple openings is used to dispense liquid coating onto products passing beneath it, then decorative lines can be applied onto horizontal product surfaces, but the system cannot apply vertical lines onto vertical product surfaces during horizontal pass-by movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by rotating the applicator 90 degrees so that the axis of rotation is horizontal rather than vertical. This inversion allows the applicator to project coating material vertically onto vertical product surfaces during horizontal pass-by movement, solving the fundamental limitation of existing systems that can only decorate horizontal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically rotating applicator that spins around a horizontal axis during operation. This dynamic rotation enables continuous projection of coating material in a controlled manner, allowing precise application of vertical lines on vertically moving products while maintaining adaptability to industrial production rhythms.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid coating material is projected at higher volumes to increase decoration coverage, then more extensive coverage is achieved, but droplet formation and unwanted splashes occur that blur the decoration pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shield as an intermediary element positioned between the rotating applicator and the product. This shield intercepts excess coating material and redirects it away from the product surface, preventing droplet formation and splashes that would otherwise blur the decorative pattern. The shield acts as a mediator that allows higher coating volumes to be used without sacrificing line sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful excess coating material from the system by using the shield to separate and redirect it away from the product surface. This extraction process removes the source of droplet formation and splashes, allowing the useful coating material to deposit cleanly while the excess is removed before it can cause pattern blurring.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing dispensing systems are used to apply coating material, then simple horizontal line application is achieved, but the systems lack the capability to generate parallel vertical lines on vertically oriented products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simplicity of the conventional dispensing system by using a basic rotating applicator with openings, but inverts its orientation and mode of operation. The applicator rotates around a horizontal axis rather than a vertical axis, transforming it from a system that deposits horizontal lines on horizontal surfaces to one that projects vertical lines on vertical surfaces during horizontal pass-by movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional configuration of the applicator's rotation from vertical axis rotation to horizontal axis rotation. This dimensionality change fundamentally alters the trajectory of the projected coating material, enabling vertical line application on vertical surfaces while preserving the mechanical simplicity of the rotating applicator design.
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 the application of straight, unblurred vertical lines onto continuously moving products with high accuracy and precision, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by maintaining a clean decoration pattern even at higher fluid volumes, suitable for industrial production environments.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable applicator for liquid coating... the rotatable applicator is arranged to spin about an axis which is orientated from horizontal and up to 30 deg of deviation from horizontal and wherein the applicator has openings along it's circumference through which coating material may be projected upon spinning of the applicator
Implementation Method 2
at least one shield positioned above the rotatable applicator to collect coating material not applied onto the product
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying stripes of liquid coating on a confectionery product comprising a rotatable applicator for liquid coating, at least one shield positioned above the rotatable applicator to collect coating material not applied onto the product, a manifold for providing the rotatable applicator with the coating material in a liquid form, and wherein the rotatable applicator is arranged to spin about an axis which is orientated from horizontal and up to 30 deg of deviation from horizontal, and wherein the applicator has openings along it's circumference through which coating material may be projected upon spinning of the applicator. The invention also relates to a method for decorating confectionery products and to the products.