Tofu Packaging Inversion Mechanism for Damage Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tofu packaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently packaging soft tofu due to damage from pack pressing, air retention issues, and labor-intensive pack supply operations, limiting high-speed packaging capacity to 3,000 cakes/hour.

Innovation Solution

A tofu packaging apparatus featuring a pack covering device with a tip end grip portion that covers tofu with a pack in a reversed state and an inversion device that inverts the covered tofu upside down, utilizing a robot with a parallel link mechanism or SCARA mechanism for high-speed operation, and image sensors for monitoring tofu state and pack alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pack is supplied from above to press vertically against the tofu, then the packaging process is simple, but the tofu is damaged by the pressing operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging process simplicityVSAvoidtofu damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pack is supplied in a reversed state (opening facing downward) and covers the tofu from below rather than pressing from above. The inversion device then inverts the pack-tofu assembly, allowing the tofu to be stored in the pack without direct pressing damage. This reverses the conventional packaging approach to eliminate the harmful pressing effect while maintaining packaging effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If the pack is covered quickly to increase productivity, then packaging speed increases, but air remains between the tofu and pack causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidair flow damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pack covers the tofu halfway in a preliminary action before the inversion occurs. This preliminary covering creates a controlled environment where air can be gradually released during the inversion process rather than being trapped and suddenly released, which would cause damage. The inversion then completes the packaging while managing air release safely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the pack size is increased relative to tofu size to facilitate air release, then air release improves, but transportation cost increases due to more water in the pack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair releaseVSAvoidwater amount in pack

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing pack size to facilitate air release, the invention inverts the approach by covering the tofu with a appropriately-sized pack from below and then inverting the assembly. This inversion mechanism enables effective air release without requiring an oversized pack, thereby avoiding unnecessary water consumption and transportation costs while still achieving good air release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Productivity

If pressing the pack more strongly against the tofu is done to speed up accommodation, then packaging speed increases, but the risk of tofu damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidtofu damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pack covers the tofu from below and the assembly is inverted, allowing the tofu to be accommodated in the pack through the inversion motion rather than through strong pressing. This eliminates the need for strong pressing forces while still achieving quick packaging, thereby maintaining productivity without increasing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Productivity

If multiple pack supply devices are provided for each column of tofu, then packaging capacity increases, but the operation becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging capacityVSAvoidpack supply operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single pack supply device is designed to supply packs for multiple columns of tofu through the inversion mechanism. The same pack supply device and inversion device can handle multiple columns sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate pack supply devices for each column while maintaining high packaging capacity. This reduces operational complexity while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12252284B2Tofu packaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 TAKAI TOFU & SOYMILK EQUIP

AI summary

A tofu packaging apparatus includes: a pack covering device configured to cover each of a plurality cakes of tofu with a pack that is in a reversed state, the plurality of cakes of tofu being arranged at predetermined intervals in a front, rear, left, and right on a conveyance surface of a transfer conveyor; and an inversion device disposed on a downstream side of the pack covering device, the inversion device being configured to invert the tofu upside down while the tofu is covered with the pack. The pack covering device includes a tip end grip portion configured to grip the pack in the reversed state and cover the tofu halfway with the pack. The inversion device is configured to invert the tofu covered with the pack in the reversed state to store the tofu in the pack.