Series-Connected Sensor Arrangement for Food Processing Tool Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing machines with multiple reversibly movable processing tools require a large number of sensors for monitoring, leading to increased installation space, complex control units, and high control effort.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a common evaluation unit connected to multiple sensor units via severable cables or connectors, allowing for reduced complexity and installation space, with each sensor unit equipped with inductive sensors and A/D converters for secure monitoring of processing tools during their movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of sensors are provided for monitoring each processing tool, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the installation space and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units are electrically connected in series to a common evaluation unit, allowing several sensors to share one evaluation unit. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage while significantly reducing the number of separate control units needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and installation space requirements
2Reliability
If a large number of sensors are provided for monitoring each processing tool, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the control effort and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor units into a coordinated system managed by shared evaluation units, reducing the overall number of control components. This merging strategy simplifies the construction process and reduces assembly effort while preserving complete monitoring capability across all processing tools
3Device complexity
If multiple sensor units are connected to a common evaluation unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the installation space requirement changes
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor units into a series-connected configuration with shared evaluation units, the patent consolidates components that would otherwise be distributed throughout the machine. This consolidation reduces the total installation space required while maintaining full monitoring coverage across all processing tools
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 sensor arrangement effectively monitors processing tools with reduced complexity and installation space, enabling safe control of food processing machines with decreased construction and control effort, while allowing for easy adaptation to different machine designs and tool configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor unit comprises an inductive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a food processing machine having at least processing tool reversibly performing a working movement, the sensor arrangement being provided for monitoring the at least one processing tool. The sensor arrangement includes at least one evaluation unit and at least one sensor unit. The sensor assembly is adapted to be connected to at least one further sensor unit such that the at least one evaluation unit and the at least two sensor units are arranged in series. The present invention further relates to a food processing machine which comprises at least one processing tool reversibly performing a working movement, a hold-down device for holding down a food product to be processed, and at least one sensor arrangement which is associated with the hold-down device as well as to a hold-down device for holding down a food product to be processed in a food processing machine, which includes at least one sensor arrangement which is associated with the hold-down device.