Slicing and Spread-Applicating Apparatus with Pumping Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying spreads to food items, such as bread, are labor-intensive and require expensive machinery, with a need for a discrete, stand-alone machine that can both slice and apply spreads efficiently and easily clean.
Innovation Solution
A slicing and spread-applicating apparatus featuring a conveyor belt, a pumping station with a pump and diverter for spread agitation, and adjustable rollers for controlled spread application, along with a design that allows for easy cleaning and handling of viscous spreads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual spreading process is used, then labor intensity is high, but equipment cost is low
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a conveyor belt system for transporting food items, a separate pumping station for spread delivery, and an applicating station with rollers for spread application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spread container is designed to feed directly into the pumping station without requiring manual intervention. The pump automatically draws spread from the container and delivers it to the applicating rollers, creating a self-service system that reduces labor intensity while avoiding complex automated refilling mechanisms.
2Productivity
If complex machinery is used for spray or waterfall spreading, then spreading efficiency is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spread application function is extracted from complex spray or waterfall systems and implemented through simple, accessible rollers. The rollers are positioned such that they can be easily reached and cleaned, and the spread container can be removed and washed separately, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with enclosed complex machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicating rollers are designed with adjustable positions and speeds that can be optimized for different spread viscosities and food item types. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the simple roller system to achieve spreading efficiency comparable to complex machinery while maintaining ease of cleaning.
3Manufacturing precision
If spread is applied without agitation, then application consistency deteriorates, but energy consumption increases with agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The spread container is designed with features that promote natural agitation before the spread enters the pumping station. This preliminary action ensures consistent spread flow and application without requiring continuous high-energy agitation during the entire process, optimizing both consistency and energy efficiency.
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 efficiently slices food items and applies a pre-selected spread, providing improved control over spread quantity and distribution, ease of operation and cleaning, and handling of viscous spreads, while minimizing contamination buildup.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In turn, the pumping station includes a pump having an input and an output.
Implementation Method 2
The pumping station also includes a diverter cooperating with the output of the pump whereby at least a portion of the spread exiting the pump may be diverted into the container for agitation of the spread.
Implementation Method 3
The applicating station further includes an applicating roller rotatably supported within the applicating station and positioned over the conveyor belt for applying spread onto the food item passing thereunder.
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus additionally includes a bearing carried by the outer wall and rotatably supporting the shaft, the bearing being spaced away from the outer wall to allow cleaning access therebetween.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for slicing and applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item. The apparatus includes an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of the spread onto the food item as the food item is moved therethrough. The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In one preferred embodiment, a loaf of bread is first sliced and thereafter split open about a hinge extending along the length of the loaf. A spread, e.g., a garlic/butter mixture, is then applied to the exposed bread surface.