Triangular Food Product Folding Apparatus with Actuated Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product folding technologies are inefficient for producing triangular shapes, such as samosas, as they require specific folding techniques and are labor-intensive or limited by manual dexterity, and existing machines are not adaptable for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A food product folding apparatus with multiple actuated folding platforms and mechanisms that sequentially create folds to form a triangular shape, allowing for the complete encasement of fillings and accommodating various configurations through staggered elevation and actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual folding operations are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and production rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding apparatus is divided into multiple independent folding sections (first folding section, second folding section, third folding section), each capable of performing specific folding operations. This segmentation allows automated execution of multiple folding operations simultaneously, maintaining adaptability for different food product configurations while dramatically increasing production rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamically controllable actuator mechanisms that can adjust folding platform positions and angles based on the specific food product being processed. This dynamic control enables the same automated system to adapt to various folding requirements (triangular, rectangular, other shapes) without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
2Productivity
If existing high speed folding machines are used, then production rate increases, but adaptability to different food product configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding apparatus is designed with universal folding platforms and adjustable actuator mechanisms that can accommodate multiple food product configurations (triangular samosas, rectangular pastas, and other shapes). The same basic structure serves multiple functions by adjusting platform positions and folding angles, eliminating the need for separate specialized machines for different product types while maintaining high-speed production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable parameters including folding platform positions, actuator angles, and timing sequences that can be modified to suit different food product configurations. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the entire machine, the apparatus maintains high productivity while adapting to various product shapes and sizes.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple folding platforms are used sequentially, then folding precision and product quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple folding operations are merged into a single integrated apparatus with coordinated actuator mechanisms. Rather than using separate machines for each folding step, the first, second, and third folding sections work together in sequence within one unified system, achieving high folding precision while minimizing the complexity increase by sharing common structural elements and control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a food product folding apparatus for forming a triangular food product, generally including a folding section, and first, second, third and fourth actuator mechanisms. The folding section includes, first, second, third and fourth folding platforms. The first, second, third and fourth actuator mechanisms are configured to actuate rotation of respective first, second, third and fourth folding platforms into first, second, third and fourth fold positions to create first, second, third and fourth folds in the food product.