Sausage Grouper with Dynamic Damming for Single-Layer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grouping sausages into predetermined numbers often result in uncontrolled multi-layering and misalignment due to rotation and friction between sausages, leading to inefficient packaging.
Innovation Solution
A sausage grouper with a transport device and independently driven accumulation elements that move in the transport direction, reducing friction and ensuring sausages are aligned in a single layer by adjusting the speed difference between the elements and the transport device, allowing for precise control of sausage grouping and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a jamming slide is used to stop and dam up sausages for grouping, then sausages can be accumulated into groups, but sausages rotate and rub against each other causing uncontrolled multi-layering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the damming element movable in the transport direction rather than stationary. The damming element moves together with the transport device at the same speed, eliminating relative motion between the damming element and sausages. This dynamic adjustment prevents friction-induced rotation and multi-layering while maintaining effective grouping accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a damming element that acts as a moving barrier rather than a fixed stop. This intermediary element moves synchronously with the transport device, creating a controlled accumulation zone that prevents chaotic sausage interaction while maintaining grouping functionality.
2Productivity
If sausages are stopped and dammed up using a stationary jamming slide, then grouping can be achieved, but friction causes sausages to roll over one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary jamming slide into a dynamic damming element that moves with the transport device. By matching the speed of the transport device, the damming element eliminates relative friction that causes sausage rotation, while still providing the necessary accumulation function for grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful friction effect into a beneficial controlled interaction. By moving the damming element at the same speed as the transport device, the friction is minimized and directed in a controlled manner, preventing harmful rotation while maintaining effective sausage accumulation for grouping.
3Productivity
If a stationary damming element is used to accumulate sausages, then grouping is possible, but high friction causes loss of sausage alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the damming element movable and synchronized with the transport device. This eliminates the stationary friction problem that causes alignment loss, while maintaining the accumulation function necessary for reliable grouping and alignment maintenance.
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 ensures reliable and efficient grouping of sausages into exact single-layer groups, preventing rotation and misalignment, and allows for flexible adjustment of group size during operation, enhancing packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
high friction between the surface of the transport device and the sausage surface or bearing surface of the sausage can be prevented
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3aIII
Figure 3b~3bVI
AI summary
The invention relates to a sausage grouper and a method for grouping sausages into sausage groups of a predetermined number of sausages with a transport device for transporting the spaced-apart sausages and at least one accumulation element for accumulating the sausages, wherein the at least one accumulation element is movable in the transport direction of the transport device for grouping.