Suction Conveyor for Automated Chewing Gum Slab Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual snapping of elongate chewing-gum slabs from larger sheets in the foodstuff industry is tiring and prone to errors, disrupting continuous production processes and introducing potential errors in the packaging of chewing-gum products.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automatically separating sheet-shaped objects into strip-shaped or slab-shaped sub-units using a conveying and separating device with suction elements that pick up and sever the sheets along weakening regions, allowing for continuous and automated formation of individual slabs without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual snapping of slabs from sheets is used, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but operator fatigue and errors increase, disrupting continuous production

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveManual handling flexibilityVSAvoidProduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service operation where the separating device autonomously divides sheets into slabs without manual intervention. The device picks up sheets, separates them along weakening regions, and conveys slabs automatically, eliminating operator fatigue while maintaining production continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical snapping operations are replaced with an automated mechanical separating device that uses suction elements and controlled mechanical motion to separate slabs from sheets, eliminating human physical labor while ensuring consistent and error-free operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic separating device is introduced, then productivity and consistency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSeparation speedVSAvoidSeparating device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device is divided into functional modules: suction elements for sheet pickup, separation mechanism for dividing along weakening regions, and conveying system for slab transport. This modular segmentation enables high productivity while managing complexity through organized functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separating device performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: picking up sheets, separating them into slabs, and conveying the slabs to the next station. This multi-functionality improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate manual operations for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If manual slab formation is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but error introduction and production disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProduction line simplicityVSAvoidSlab separation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device operates with controlled feedback mechanisms that ensure precise separation along weakening regions. The automated system consistently identifies and separates slabs at the correct positions, maintaining high manufacturing precision without the variability and errors associated with manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables the automatic division of larger sheets into individual slabs, reducing manual labor and potential errors, ensuring continuous operation and improving the efficiency of the chewing-gum packaging process by integrating the device between the rolling mill and packaging machine.

Implementation Method 1

a conveying and separating device with suction elements that pick up and sever the sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

separating takes place on the weakening regions of the sheet-shaped objects by means of a conveying and separating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9993014B2Method and device for separating sheet-shaped objects into strip-shaped or slab-shaped object sub-units

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 LOESCH VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A conveying and separating method and a device for separating sheet-shaped objects, for example preliminary chewing-gum products or intermediate chewing-gum products in the form of chewing-gum sheets, into strip-shaped or slab-shaped object sub-units. The conveying and separating method and device for separating sheet-shaped objects preferably separates sub-units one after another from each of the sheet-shaped objects at at least one weakened region on each of the sheet-shaped objects by a conveying and separating device that preferably has a revolving conveyor belt with suction elements that can be activated and deactivated. The suction elements pick up, hold, and convey the sheet-shaped object when the suction element is activated and release the sub-units when the suction element is deactivated.