Tempering Machine Duct Conveyor Removal Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tempering machines have difficulty accessing the duct and conveyor element for effective washing, requiring lengthy disassembly processes that are inefficient in an industrial context.
Innovation Solution
A tempering machine design that includes a pivoting plate to open the bottom end of the duct, allowing easy removal and extraction of the conveyor element, along with a mechanism for introducing and evacuating cleaning liquid for thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the duct and conveyor element are designed to be enclosed and integrated within the tempering machine, then the machine structure is compact and complete, but accessibility for washing and maintenance is difficult requiring lengthy disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is divided into an upper fixed portion and a lower removable portion that can be separated from each other. The conveyor element is also segmented into sections that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the conveyor element to be accessed and removed without disassembling the entire machine structure, resolving the contradiction between compact integrated design and ease of maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor element is extracted from the enclosed duct structure through removable access points. The lower portion of the duct can be taken out to facilitate complete removal of the conveyor element for washing. This extraction principle allows maintenance access without requiring complex disassembly of the entire machine, improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
2Productivity
If the conveyor element is firmly mounted within the duct, then the structure is stable and secure, but removal and extraction for cleaning becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system for the conveyor element transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The conveyor element can be securely mounted during operation but easily removed when washing is required. This dynamic mounting system resolves the contradiction by allowing the same structure to serve both stable operation and rapid removal needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is designed with pre-positioned removable sections and access points that are prepared in advance for conveyor element removal. These preliminary design features eliminate the need for complex disassembly operations during washing, enabling rapid removal and extraction of the conveyor element without compromising structural stability during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional flushing methods are used for cleaning the duct, then the cleaning process is simple, but optimal cleaning cannot be achieved due to difficult accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is segmented into removable sections that allow direct access to the conveyor element and internal surfaces. This segmentation enables thorough manual cleaning and inspection of areas that would be inaccessible with conventional flushing methods alone, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall cleaning procedure. The structure remains simple but achieves optimal cleaning effectiveness through strategic segmentation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A machine for tempering chocolate comprising: - a tank (1), set within which is a stirring means (2) rotatably mounted within the tank and governed in rotation by first actuator means (12); - a duct (3), which extends upwards, preferably in a vertical direction, in fluid communication with said tank and is designed to receive at its bottom end chocolate coming from said tank, there being rotatably mounted within said duct a worm conveyor element (8), governed in rotation by second actuator means (12') and designed to convey the chocolate along said duct up to a delivery mouth (14) provided on the top part of said duct; said machine being characterized in that: said second actuator means (12') are mounted at the top of said duct (3) and in that means (16, 22, 24) are provided for mounting and removal of said conveyor element, which can be activated between a first condition, in which said conveyor element is rotatably mounted in said duct, and a second condition, in which removal of the conveyor element is enabled through the bottom end of said duct.