Automated Twisted Bun Production via Robot Arm and Winding Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bakery industry faces inefficiencies in producing twisted bakery buns due to the complexity of the manual process, which is time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a robot arm and a winding tool with protrusions, which transports and twists dough strips on a conveyor belt, allowing for efficient and precise production of twisted buns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for producing twisted bakery buns, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system divides the twisted bun production process into distinct operational segments: dough strip transport by conveyor belt, winding operation by winding tool, twisting operation by robot arm, and stacking by stacking device. Each component performs a specific function, enabling automated production while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components that facilitate automated operations: the conveyor belt acts as an intermediary for transporting dough strips between stations, the winding tool serves as an intermediary for forming the bun shape, and the robot arm serves as an intermediary for applying the twisting operation. These intermediaries enable automation without requiring direct manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If manual handling is used for producing twisted bakery buns, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service operations where the conveyor belt automatically transports dough strips, the winding tool automatically forms the bun shape, and the robot arm automatically applies the twisting operation. The stacking device automatically stacks completed buns, eliminating the need for manual intervention in each operation and maintaining ease of operation through automated self-service.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm serves multiple functions: it transports dough strips, applies the twisting operation, and positions components during assembly. The conveyor belt handles both transport and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining operational simplicity while increasing automation level.
3Productivity
If automated system is implemented for producing twisted bakery buns, then productivity and efficiency increase, but initial investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the winding tool combines the forming operation with positioning, the robot arm integrates twisting with transport, and the stacking device combines stacking with positioning. This merging reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt maintains a consistent transport level throughout the production process, and all operational stations are positioned at compatible heights for seamless material transfer. This equipotentiality simplifies the system structure by eliminating the need for complex elevation mechanisms while enabling continuous automated production.
4Loss of time
If manual handling is used for producing twisted bakery buns, then adaptability to variations is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt operates continuously to transport dough strips through all production stations without interruption. The winding tool and robot arm operate in continuous sequence without idle time between operations. This continuity eliminates downtime and waiting periods, significantly reducing production time while the modular design keeps the automation mechanism manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions in advance: dough strips are transported and positioned by the conveyor belt before reaching the winding station, the winding tool pre-forms the bun shape before twisting, and components are pre-positioned for the stacking operation. This preliminary action eliminates delays and waiting time, reducing overall production time while maintaining reasonable automation complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (100) for automated production of bakery (BA), such as twisted buns, said system comprising: a robot arm (200) adapted for gripping and twisting dough strips (DS), a winding tool (300) for holding and/or winding the dough strips (DS), said winding tool comprising: at least two protrusions (350), preferably three protrusions, such as rods, for holding the dough, said protrusions (350) being positioned in a first end (310) of the winding tool (300). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for automated production of twisted bakery buns.