Cheese Filling Device with Sensor-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cheese curd-whey filling processes often result in inhomogeneous distribution due to variable curd-to-whey ratios and segregation, leading to inconsistencies in cheese production, causing problems and losses during further processing.
Innovation Solution
A filling device with multiple dispensing devices, each equipped with flow control and sensor units, and a control unit that adjusts operating parameters based on real-time mixture characteristics to ensure uniform distribution, using pumps and valves for precise flow regulation and potentially incorporating a mixing device in an intermediate tank for homogenization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a distribution pipe with several dispensing devices is used to fill receiving containers, then filling efficiency is improved, but inhomogeneous distribution of curd-whey mixture occurs due to segregation and variable curd-to-whey ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by equipping each dispensing device with individual flow control devices and sensor units, allowing each location to independently regulate and monitor its curd-whey mixture flow based on local conditions, thereby achieving uniform distribution across all dispensing points despite segregation occurring in the common supply line
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensor units at each dispensing device to detect local curd-to-whey ratios and automatically adjusting flow control devices in response to detected variations, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for segregation effects and maintains consistent filling quality
2Manufacturing precision
If flow control devices are added to each dispensing device to regulate flow individually, then distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using identical sensor units and flow control devices at each dispensing location, allowing each component to perform multiple functions: monitoring curd-to-whey ratio, regulating flow rate, and maintaining distribution uniformity, thereby managing complexity through standardized multi-functional modules
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 solution ensures a homogeneous and uniform dispensing of the cheese curd-whey mixture, reducing temporal and spatial variations, thereby improving the consistency and quality of the cheese produced.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor unit for determining at least one parameter characteristic of the cheese curd-whey mixture flowing through the respective dispensing device
Implementation Method 2
at least one flow control device for controlling the flow of the cheese curd-whey mixture through the respective dispensing device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A filling device (10) for filling at least one receiving container (12) or an arrangement of receiving containers with a cheese curd-whey mixture comprises at least two dispensing devices (14) which are configured and designed for dispensing the cheese curd-whey mixture into the receiving container or containers, each of the dispensing devices comprising at least one flow control device (16) for controlling a flow of the cheese curd-whey mixture through the respective dispensing device and at least one sensor unit (18) for determining at least one parameter characteristic of the cheese curd-whey mixture flowing through the respective dispensing device, wherein a control unit (24) is provided for controlling at least one operating parameter of the dispensing devices, in particular at least one operating parameter of the flow control devices.is set up and designed on the basis of the parameter characteristic of the cheese curd-whey mixture.