Automated Pasta Mixing and Extrusion With Sensor-Guided Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pasta making machines require manual input and monitoring of ingredients, manual adjustments, and cleaning, necessitating training and detracting from usability, convenience, and time efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated pasta production device with integrated flour, water, and additive dispensing assemblies, along with a mixing and extrusion system, controlled by sensors and a user interface, allowing for on-demand production of fresh pasta without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual pasta making machines are used, then pasta can be produced, but the process requires significant manual input, monitoring, and cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (dispensing, mixing, kneading, extruding, and cleaning) into a single integrated machine. The system merges ingredient dispensing assemblies, mixing assembly, extrusion assembly, and cleaning assembly into one automated unit that performs the complete pasta production process without manual intervention between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs self-cleaning through automated cleaning assemblies that clean the extrusion assembly and other components after use. The system also automatically dispenses precise amounts of ingredients and monitors the production process, reducing the need for manual operation and monitoring.
2Productivity
If manual ingredient input and monitoring is required, then ingredient control is possible, but time efficiency and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads ingredient containers into the dispensing assemblies before production begins. Ingredients are pre-measured and positioned in ready-to-dispense locations, eliminating the need for manual weighing and adding during the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine incorporates sensors and controllers that automatically monitor the production process, ingredient levels, and machine operation. The system provides feedback to maintain optimal production parameters and automatically adjusts operations, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and intervention.
3Ease of operation
If fully automated dispensing and mixing is implemented, then manual effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is designed as a multi-functional system that can produce different types of pasta by varying the extrusion die configurations and ingredient combinations. The same basic platform handles dispensing, mixing, kneading, extruding, and cleaning functions, making the complex system user-friendly through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex automated systems. It provides a simplified interface that manages the sophisticated dispensing, mixing, and extrusion operations through easy-to-use controls, shielding the user from the underlying complexity.
4Ease of repair
If integrated cleaning assembly is added, then maintenance effort is reduced, but initial device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is designed to automatically clean the extrusion assembly and other components after production. The system uses self-contained cleaning mechanisms that require minimal manual intervention, making the complex cleaning system pay for itself through reduced maintenance effort.
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
Enables timely, automated production of ultra-fresh pasta on demand, reducing manual effort and skill requirements, and allowing for consistent output in various settings such as supermarkets and restaurants.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conveyor screw extending through the mixing portion and along the internal bore of the extrusion portion to the outlet end, the at least one conveyor screw configured to be rotatable relative to the container so as to mix contents received in the mixing portion, convey the mixed contents to the extrusion portion and extrude a pasta product
Implementation Method 2
a mixing assembly operatively associated with the base unit, the assembly including a container, a mixing outlet and one or more mixing elements connectable to the motor and configured to extend into and move within the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A pasta product producing device and method of use is disclosed. The device includes a base and motor unit; a container having a mixing portion and an extrusion portion; a flour dispensing assembly; a water dispensing assembly; an additive dispensing assembly; one or more sensors operatively associated with the mixing portion of the container for measuring selected volumes of flour, water and the one or more additives dispensed; a mixing and extrusion assembly for mixing and extruding a pasta product; a user interface to allow a user to input a desired pasta product; and a controller operatively associated with the user interface and the one or more sensors and configured to autonomously control operation of the motor, the mixing and extrusion assembly, the flour dispensing assembly, the water dispensing assembly and the additive dispensing assembly to produce the desired pasta product.