Automated additive assembly for a micro-puree machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances for making ice creams and frozen desserts require significant user effort and time, and are impractical for preparing non-dessert food products, while micro-puree machines can only process pre-frozen ingredients with limited automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated additive assembly for a micro-puree machine that includes a reservoir, plunger, and passage system allowing for the controlled injection of additive ingredients into the extruded product at the nozzle location, reducing user interaction and integrating with the machine's processing and extrusion functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional ice cream making machine is used, then frozen desserts can be made, but user effort and time requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The additive assembly is nested within the machine housing, with the reservoir positioned to receive additive ingredients and the plunger mechanism integrated into the extrusion pathway. This nesting approach automates the additive injection process while containing the complexity within a compact, integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is configured to automatically force additive ingredients into the extruded product through the nozzle during the extrusion process, without requiring manual user intervention. The system uses the existing extrusion motion to drive the plunger, making the additive injection a self-service function that occurs automatically during normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If micro-puree machines process pre-frozen ingredients, then frozen desserts can be made, but versatility for non-dessert foods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The additive assembly with its reservoir and plunger mechanism enables the micro-puree machine to handle both frozen and non-frozen ingredients by providing automated additive injection during extrusion. This multi-functional capability allows the same machine to prepare both traditional frozen desserts and non-dessert food products like purees and mousses, significantly expanding versatility while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
3Extent of automation
If additive ingredients are manually added, then product customization is possible, but user interaction with machine housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additive assembly with reservoir and plunger is nested within the machine housing, containing all moving parts and additive ingredients within the protected housing. This design automates additive injection while shielding users from exposure to moving mechanical parts, eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual additive addition.
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
The automated additive assembly streamlines the process by minimizing user interaction, enabling efficient combination of additive ingredients with processed ingredients during extrusion, thus enhancing the versatility and efficiency of the micro-puree machine beyond dessert production.
Implementation Method 1
Movement of the plunger within the reservoir in a first direction forces the additive ingredient through the passage
Implementation Method 2
a lid configured to be secured to an open first end of the body such that an interface between the lid and the body forms a seal
Implementation Method 3
forcing the additive ingredient into the channel combines the additive ingredient with the processed ingredients extruded through the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An automated additive assembly for a micro-puree machine has a body including a reservoir configured for holding an additive ingredient. A channel is defined through the body, and a passage is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the channel. A plunger is configured for movement within the reservoir. Movement of the plunger within the reservoir in a first direction forces the additive ingredient through the channel such that the additive ingredient is combined with the processed ingredients extruded through the nozzle.