Synchronized Dough Processing Heads for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial dough disk forming lines have poor throughput due to independent, non-synchronized spreading machines, leading to increased costs, bulk, and power consumption, with each machine requiring its own power supply and intermediate storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dough processing machine with multiple rotating heads that have synchronized movements, powered by a single motor, allowing for uniform processing and reduced size and power consumption, with a simplified construction that enables high throughput and uniform product output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple independent spreading machines are used to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spreading heads into a single integrated machine structure, where multiple heads share common support mechanisms and control systems. This merging approach allows the machine to process multiple dough portions simultaneously (increasing throughput) while avoiding the complexity of having completely separate independent machines for each head.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreading machine is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The single motor and drive system can simultaneously control multiple spreading heads, and the common support structure accommodates multiple processing stations. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple independent spreading machines are used to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply systems of multiple spreading heads into a single motor-driven system. Instead of each spreading head requiring its own independent motor and power supply, the invention uses one motor to drive all spreading heads through a common transmission mechanism, thereby reducing total power consumption while maintaining the ability to process multiple dough portions simultaneously.
3Productivity
If multiple independent spreading machines are used to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but the overall bulk of the line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple spreading machines into a single compact unit by merging their structural components. The multiple spreading heads are arranged in a space-efficient configuration sharing common supports, frames, and drive mechanisms, which dramatically reduces the overall footprint and bulk of the equipment compared to having separate independent machines distributed throughout the production line.
4Productivity
If independent spreading machines operate simultaneously without synchronization, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems of multiple spreading heads into a unified synchronization mechanism. All spreading heads are driven by a single motor through synchronized transmission elements, ensuring that they operate in unison with identical speeds and timings. This synchronized operation guarantees uniform processing of all dough portions simultaneously, maintaining high manufacturing precision while achieving high throughput.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention finds application in the field of food machinery and relates to a machine for processing dough which comprises a load-bearing frame (12) with a movable or stationary work surface (13) for supporting a plurality of dough portions (P, P', P'', ...), at least one set (14) of processing heads (15) susceptible of interacting with the dough portions (P, P', P'', ...) by a rotary movement (ω) and/or a translational movement (t) towards/away from the surface (13), first motor means (16) for imparting the rotary movements (ω) to the heads (15) and second motor means (17) for imparting translational movements (t) thereto. All the heads (15) in the set (14) are supported by a plate (18) integral with the frame (12), synchronization means (19) being associated with the plate (18) for synchronized transmission of motion from the first (16) and second (17) motor means to all the processing heads (15).