Rotating Shaft Driver Elements Dough Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough processing devices struggle to efficiently separate and enlarge the distance between dough pieces, leading to potential deformation and increased maintenance costs due to complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second conveyor belt system, where the second belt operates at a higher speed than the first, and a rotating wave with radially positioned driver elements that move dough pieces from the first to the second conveyor belt using gravity and own weight, minimizing deformation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure rollers or rotating shafts are used to move dough pieces between conveyor belts, then the dough pieces can be transferred from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt, but the complexity of the device increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of dough piece transfer by using only the driver elements on the rotating shaft, eliminating the need for complex pressure rollers or additional conveyor belt systems. The driver elements directly engage with the dough pieces to push them onto the second conveyor belt, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotating shaft with driver elements that dynamically engage and disengage with the dough pieces during rotation. This dynamic mechanism allows for efficient transfer of dough pieces without requiring complex stationary or multi-component systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to separate dough pieces, then the separation function is achieved, but maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation mechanism into simple, independent driver elements mounted on the rotating shaft. Each driver element is a separate, easily replaceable component that can be independently maintained or replaced without affecting the entire system, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining separation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft with driver elements operates using its own rotational motion to transfer dough pieces, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanisms or external assistance. The system serves itself by using the rotational energy already present in the conveyor belt movement, reducing maintenance requirements and improving operational reliability.
3Productivity
If force is applied to move dough pieces from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt, then the transfer is achieved, but the risk of dough deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies only the necessary minimal force through the driver elements to push the dough pieces onto the second conveyor belt. The driver elements make contact with the dough pieces just enough to transfer them, avoiding excessive force that could cause deformation. This partial action approach maintains conveying speed while minimizing harmful effects on the dough.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of force application by using a rotating shaft mechanism that distributes the transfer force over time and space. The rotational motion allows for gradual, controlled engagement with the dough pieces rather than sudden, high-force contact, reducing the risk of deformation while maintaining efficient transfer.
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 solution effectively separates dough pieces by increasing the distance between them, reduces the risk of dough deformation, and simplifies maintenance due to fewer moving parts and easy cleaning, resulting in lower operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one driver element is mounted in the radial direction relative to the shaft and is freely displaceable thereon, such that the contact surface of the at least one driver element moves radially toward or away from the shaft due to gravity and the dead weight of the at least one driver element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present application relates to a device (1) for separating pieces of dough (5.1-5.3). The device (1) comprises a first conveying device (2) and a second conveying device (3) adjoining it, on which pieces of dough (5.1-5.3) resting thereon can be conveyed in a conveying direction (4). The first conveying device (2) is driven at a first speed and the second conveying device (3) is driven at a second speed, which is greater than the first speed. The device (1) has a shaft (6) arranged at a first distance (A) above the transition area (U) of the first conveying device (2) to the second conveying device (3), which can be set into a rotary motion (7) about a longitudinal axis (8) at a third speed, which is greater than the first speed, by means of a drive (19).The shaft (6) extends in a direction transverse to the conveying direction (4) over the entire width of both conveying devices (2, 3), wherein at least one radially projecting drive element (9.1, 9.2) is arranged on the shaft (6), which has a contact surface (10.1, 10.2) at a free end that is spaced away from a surface of the shaft (6). The at least one drive element (9.1, 9.2) is mounted radially relative to and freely displaceable on the shaft (6) in the direction of displacement, such that the contact surface of the at least one drive element (9.1, 9.2) moves radially towards or away from the shaft (6) due to the rotational movement (7) of the shaft (6) about the longitudinal axis (8) and the force of gravity and the weight of the at least one drive element (9.1, 9.2).2) has a dimension such that the contact surface can rest on a piece of dough (5.1-5.3) resting on the first conveying device (2) in order to push it from the first conveying device (2) to the second conveying device (3) at the third speed. The present application further relates to a method for separating pieces of dough (5.1-5.3) and a system for producing pieces of dough (5.1-5.3).