Wave-Motion Conveyor Belt for Non-Stick IQF Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for individual quick-freezing (IQF) of food products, such as tunnel freezers and fluidized beds, are inefficient for processing products in trays as they often result in scattering and reduced production capacity, and do not effectively prevent products from adhering to each other or the conveyor.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a wave-like motion generated by a multiple cam wave axle and lifting bar is used to displace products on the conveyor belt, preventing adherence and allowing for uninterrupted processing of both IQF and trayed products, maximizing heat transfer and reducing freezing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tunnel freezers or fluidized beds are used for IQF freezing, then small products can be frozen individually, but tray products are scattered and displaced, requiring equipment relocation and reducing production capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system employs a wave-generating assembly that creates dynamic, wave-like motion of the conveyor belt surface. This dynamic motion selectively agitates IQF products to prevent sticking while leaving tray products undisturbed, enabling the same equipment to process both product types effectively without relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both IQF and tray products using the same equipment. The wave-generating assembly can be activated or deactivated, and its intensity adjusted, to accommodate different product types, eliminating the need for separate freezing lines and maximizing production capacity
2Use of energy by moving object
If wave-like motion is applied to the conveyor to prevent product adherence, then heat transfer rates increase by 50-100%, but device complexity increases due to additional wave-generating assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-generating assembly creates mechanical vibrations and wave-like motion in the conveyor belt, which increases heat transfer rates by 50-100%. This vibration-based approach achieves superior freezing efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure integrated into the existing conveyor system
Solution Approach 2:
The wave-generating assembly produces periodic wave motions that continuously enhance heat transfer between the conveyor and products. This periodic action maintains optimal thermal contact and prevents product adherence throughout the freezing process, achieving high heat transfer rates without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
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 solution achieves a 50% to 100% increase in heat transfer rates and a 25% to 50% decrease in dwell times, ensuring uniform freezing and maintaining product integrity without scattering or reducing production capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a wave generating assembly (20) actuating the conveyor (12) to create a wave-like motion in the conveyor (12) to displace the products (14)
Implementation Method 2
conveying the product (14) on the conveyor (12) through refrigeration for chilling or freezing the products (14)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means.