Transverse Distribution Device Rotary Conveyor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transverse distribution devices for food, such as grit for sprinkling pasta, often lead to material accumulation and compression, which negatively impacts food quality and can cause device malfunctions and downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A transverse distribution device with a trough and a conveyor assembly featuring two rotary conveyors, where one conveyor section conveys food in a first direction and the other in a third direction orthogonal to the first, reducing accumulation by actively directing food towards the opposing conveyor, and including a limiting plate and intermediate wall to manage flow and prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conveyor systems are used to convey foodstuffs, then the device structure is simple, but material accumulation and compression occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The first rotary conveyor is divided into two distinct conveyor sections: a first conveyor section that conveys food in the first direction, and a second conveyor section that conveys food in the third direction (orthogonal to the first). This segmentation allows the system to actively redirect material flow and prevent accumulation at the interface between opposing conveyors, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third direction (orthogonal to both the first and second directions) for conveying material. The second conveyor section of the first rotary conveyor actively transports food in this orthogonal third direction towards the second rotary conveyor, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that prevents material buildup and compression that would occur in traditional two-directional systems.
2Productivity
If material is continuously conveyed in opposite directions, then productivity is maintained, but material accumulation occurs reducing food quality
Solution Approach 1:
The second conveyor section of the first rotary conveyor performs a preliminary action by actively conveying material in the third direction towards the second rotary conveyor before the material can accumulate at the interface. This proactive redirection prevents the formation of material buildup and compression, maintaining food quality while preserving continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different conveying functions to different sections of the first rotary conveyor: the first conveyor section handles material transport in the first direction, while the second conveyor section specifically handles material redirection in the third direction towards the second rotary conveyor. This local differentiation of function prevents accumulation at critical interfaces while maintaining overall system productivity.
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 configuration significantly reduces material accumulation and compression, minimizing the risk of blockages and ensuring consistent food distribution, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotary conveyor (10) configured to convey the pourable foodstuff in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a second rotary conveyor (11) configured to convey the pourable foodstuff in the second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
the second conveyor section (14) is configured to convey pourable food in a third direction (T), wherein the third direction points towards the second rotary conveyor (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A transverse distribution device (8) for distributing bulk foodstuffs, in particular granules (5) for sprinkling on pasta (4), comprises a trough (18) having an opening (20) at an outlet side (19), and a conveying assembly (9) arranged in the trough (18) and configured to convey bulk foodstuffs in a first direction (R) and in a second direction (S) opposite to the first direction (R). The conveying assembly (9) comprises a first rotary conveyor (10) configured to convey the bulk foodstuffs in the first direction (R) and a second rotary conveyor (11) configured to convey the bulk foodstuffs in the second direction (S).The transverse distribution device (8) is characterized in that the first rotary conveyor (10) has a first conveying section (13) and a second conveying section (14), wherein the first conveying section (13) is configured to convey bulk food in the first direction (R), and the second conveying section (14) is configured to convey bulk food in a third direction (T), wherein the third direction (T) points towards the second rotary conveyor (11).