Sandwich Element Inversion via Accelerated Edge Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sandwich making machines face challenges in efficiently and accurately flipping wet-lidded sandwich elements, as the sticky topping on the upper element can displace unstable fillings like salad pieces when manually or automatically flipped, leading to reduced yield and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with an engagement member that lifts and turns the sandwich element about its opposite lateral edge, using a controlled motion profile and acceleration to invert and position it horizontally over the lower element, ensuring the filling remains intact during the lidding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automated flipping device grips a lateral edge portion of an upper sandwich element and turns it about its opposite lateral edge, then the efficiency and speed of processing is significantly improved, but the upper sandwich element tends to be dragged into position, causing displacement of unstable filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by controlling the motion of the engagement member through accelerated movement during the flipping process. The engagement member accelerates as it turns the sandwich element, which prevents the element from being dragged and maintains filling stability while achieving high processing speed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If the upper sandwich element is manually removed and turned over, then the sticky topping can be placed correctly, but the process is laborious and time consuming, reducing yield and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the automated engagement member that performs the flipping operation without manual intervention. The engagement member automatically engages the lateral edge portion, turns the sandwich element through controlled acceleration, and releases it in the correct position. This automation maintains the accuracy previously achieved by manual operation while dramatically increasing productivity and reducing costs.
3Speed
If the upper sandwich element is held and turned over quickly, then processing speed is improved, but the floppy bread slices are difficult to hold and turn over accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control where the engagement member accelerates during the flipping motion. This acceleration allows the engagement member to maintain control of the floppy bread slice at high speed while ensuring accurate positioning. The controlled acceleration prevents the bread from flopping uncontrollably while achieving the necessary processing speed.
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 effectively inverts and positions sandwich elements without displacing the filling, allowing for efficient and accurate 'wet lidding' at a high production rate, maintaining the stability of loose fillings and ensuring precise placement, even with floppy bread slices.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement member is driven to accelerate so that the sandwich element engaged thereby is lifted and turned about its opposite lateral edge to invert it
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an article inverting and displacing apparatus and a machine for making sandwiches comprising the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises an engagement member (12) adapted to engage a lateral edge portion of a sandwich element; a drive unit (14) configured to drive the engagement member (12) to lift and turn the sandwich element engaged thereby about is opposite lateral edge to invert it; and a control unit configured to control the drive unit (14); wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit (14) to drive the engagement member (12) so that the opposite lateral edge of the sandwich element is caused to be raised to approximately at or above the level or height of the engaged lateral edge portion during the inverting step, and, optionally subsequently the sandwich element is caused to lie in a generally horizontal plane. The present invention also provides a process of automatically inverting and displacing articles.