Baumkuchen Roller Baking Control via Identification Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for continuous production of Baumkuchen-style cakes are energy-intensive and require significant investment, limiting efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The use of individualizing identification elements and a handling device, such as a robot, allows for flexible and automatic control of baking rollers and mass containers, enabling targeted adjustment of operating parameters like temperature and rotation speed, and the use of a measuring device to record and influence parameters like dough layer thickness and baking time, allowing for efficient production and varied cake styles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous production mode is used, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternately moving different baking rollers through the mass container and baking chambers in cycles. Each roller undergoes repeated dipping into dough mass and baking operations, allowing the system to maintain continuous production capability while enabling energy-efficient cyclic operation patterns where heating elements can be activated only when rollers are present in baking chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control by independently adjusting the speed, position, and operational parameters of individual baking rollers based on real-time conditions. The handling device dynamically transports rollers between stations, and the control device adjusts heating power, dipping depth, and baking time for each roller individually, optimizing energy usage while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual control of baking rollers is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in productionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the production system into independent, individually controllable baking rollers, each with its own identification element and control parameters. This allows each roller to be managed separately with unique settings for dough dipping, baking time, and temperature, providing high adaptability for producing different cake varieties while the modular structure keeps individual component complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control through reading devices that detect identification elements on each baking roller, providing real-time information to the control device. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of operational parameters for each roller based on its specific identity and current state, achieving high adaptability while reducing the complexity of manual control through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated handling device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but investment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidinvestment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the handling device and control system automatically manage the entire production process without human intervention. Baking rollers are autonomously transported between mass containers and baking chambers, identification elements are automatically read and processed, and operational parameters are self-adjusted based on feedback, greatly improving ease of operation. The modular design allows incremental implementation, reducing initial investment barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach reduces energy consumption by 30-35% and increases production capacity, enabling the production of over 120 rolls of Baumkuchen per hour with improved flexibility to produce different cake styles and layer structures.

Implementation Method 1

which can be read by a control device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical scanning:

Implementation Method 2

a measuring device coupled to the control device is provided for recording operating parameters, with the operating parameters of at least one baking roller, one baking chamber and/or the at least one mass container being recorded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal measurement:

Implementation Method 3

through baking chambers, and the resulting baked goods are then separated from the baking roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the radiation intensity in the baking chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2544544B1Method and arrangement for the automatised production of tree cakes or cakes in the form of a tree cake
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 KUCHENMEISTER GMBH
  • EP2544544B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the automatised production of tree cakes or cakes in the form of a tree cake, in which several baking rollers rotating about their respective axes are guided successively in an alternating manner through at least one mixture container filled with the mixture and through at least one baking chamber. Said method is characterised by the fact that the baking rollers (20) and/or the at least one mixture container (11, 12, 13) respectively have an individualised characteristic element (201, 202) which is selected by a control device (200) and at least one operational parameter of at least one baking roller (20) and/or of at least one mixture container (21, 22, 23) is modified according to the selection of the characteristic element (201, 202).