Rotating Bar Conveyor for Chocolate Mould Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for confectionery moulding lines, particularly those using closed-link chains or belts, face issues with inaccurate mould positioning due to stretching over time and contamination from products like chocolate, leading to production malfunctions and wastage.
Innovation Solution
The system replaces traditional closed-link chains or belts with a motorized conveyor device featuring rotating longitudinal bars with curved lateral arms that push moulds step-by-step along a guide structure, eliminating the need for anchoring members and reducing contamination risks by using sliding guides with friction elements and rotating arms for curved sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If closed-link chains or belts are used to convey moulds, then the conveyor system can move moulds through workstations, but the chains stretch over time causing inaccurate mould positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into discrete pushing members spaced at intervals along the bar, each independently engaging with moulds at specific positions. This segmentation allows precise positioning control without the cumulative stretching error inherent in continuous chains or belts.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal bar rotates between operative and inoperative angular positions, creating a dynamic conveyor system. During operation, the bar rotates to engage pushing members with moulds, advances precisely, then rotates back to disengage. This dynamic motion eliminates the static stretching problem of chains while maintaining continuous conveyance capability.
2Productivity
If closed-link chains are used in the conveyor system, then moulds can be transported, but dirt from confectionery products contaminates the chains and products
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (continuous contact chain) is extracted and replaced with a discrete pushing member system. The longitudinal bar with spaced pushing members contacts moulds only during brief pushing intervals, then retracts completely, eliminating continuous contamination exposure while maintaining transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing members rapidly engage moulds, perform the pushing action quickly, then disengage and skip through the workspace. This rushing through minimizes contact time between conveying elements and confectionery products, reducing contamination risk while maintaining production speed.
3Reliability
If anchoring members are used to connect moulds to chains, then moulds can be secured during conveyance, but the system requires complex anchoring mechanisms that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of anchoring moulds to a continuous chain (complex connection), the system inverts the approach: a simple longitudinal bar with discrete pushing members contacts moulds from behind. The moulds are not permanently anchored but temporarily engaged during pushing, then released. This simplifies the connection mechanism while maintaining reliable conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing members are designed to automatically engage with moulds based on their spaced arrangement and the rotational motion of the bar. No complex anchoring, locking, or connection mechanisms are needed - the geometry and motion of the pushing members themselves provide the necessary engagement and release functionality.
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
This solution ensures accurate and stable mould positioning, reduces production wastage, and minimizes contamination by eliminating the need for closed-link chains, thereby improving the efficiency and cleanliness of the conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
whose lateral edges face a pair of lateral guide boards bearing friction elements in friction contact with the lateral edges of the moulds
Implementation Method 2
The profiles are controlled in alternating linear motion by means of an actuator, for example of the electric motor type
Data Source
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AI summary
Conveyor plant for moulding lines of confectionery products, particularly of chocolate, wherein the moulds (5) are moved step by step along a guide and support structure (4) by means of a motorised conveyor device comprising at least one longitudinal bar (9) bearing a series of pushing members (12) spaced like the moulds (5). The or each longitudinal bar (9) rotates between a first position wherein the pushers (12) are inoperative and a second position wherein the pushers (12) engage the moulds (5) from behind, and it is moveable linearly in alternating rectilinear motion between a recessed position and an advanced position synchronised with the rotation of the pushers (12).