Taco Shell Stacking Receptacle With Conveyor-Plunger Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of stacking taco shells are slow and inefficient, requiring manual handling and lacking quality control, leading to inconsistent packaging.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a plunger assembly and sensors is used to automate the stacking and sorting of taco shells, ensuring consistent quality by discarding non-compliant shells and efficiently arranging them in packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual stacking methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and packaging efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The taco shell processing system performs self-service by automatically orienting, stacking, and packaging taco shells without manual intervention. The conveyor assembly and plunger assembly work autonomously to complete the entire stacking process, eliminating the need for manual stacking while maintaining operational simplicity through automated self-contained mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stacking with an automated mechanical system consisting of a conveyor assembly and plunger assembly. The conveyor assembly transports taco shells through the system, while the plunger assembly mechanically pushes shells into the desired orientation and position within packaging, substituting human labor with automated mechanical components.
2Productivity
If automated conveyor systems are introduced, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it transports taco shells along the processing line, positions shells for orientation, and coordinates with the plunger assembly for stacking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the conveyor assembly for transport, the plunger assembly for positioning and stacking, and the packaging integration system. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing for easier maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of individual components without increasing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If quality control sensors are added, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Quality control sensors are integrated into the conveyor system to provide real-time feedback on taco shell orientation, position, and quality metrics. The sensors detect whether shells are properly oriented and positioned, and this feedback information is used to adjust the plunger assembly's positioning or trigger re-orientation mechanisms, ensuring consistent quality while maintaining a relatively simple sensor implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A taco stacking apparatus comprises a conveyor assembly for supporting and moving taco shells along a predefined pathway. The conveyor assembly defines an opening in the predefined pathway that enables the taco shells to pass through the conveyor assembly. A stacking receptacle defines a channel for receiving taco shells passed through the opening in the predefined pathway of the conveyor assembly. A plunger assembly passes a taco shell through the opening in the predefined pathway of the conveyor assembly to the stacking receptacle.