Cheese Molding Valve Control Using Depressurization Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cheese molding systems require significant human intervention for flow rate control, leading to inconsistent and dangerous operations, with empirical methods causing flow rate variations and limited reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A cheese molding system with automated feed valves and control devices that regulate milk mixture flow based on pressure thresholds, minimizing human intervention and ensuring consistent delivery to cheese molds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pipe crushing is used to regulate flow rate, then flow control can be achieved, but reproducibility is poor and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control operationVSAvoidflow rate consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual pipe crushing method with an automated valve system controlled by a programmable logic controller. The valve regulates milk mixture flow rate through automated control based on pressure sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual pipe crushing and ensuring consistent, reproducible flow rates without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure in feed lines and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the PLC automatically adjusts the valve position to maintain the desired flow rate, ensuring consistency and eliminating the variability associated with manual pipe crushing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual pipe crushing is performed, then flow rate can be restricted, but operator safety is at risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow restriction capabilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs flow rate regulation automatically without requiring operator presence near the feed lines. The PLC-controlled valve self-adjusts based on pressure feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually crush pipes and exposing them to potential hazards from hot milk mixture under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated valve system acts as an intermediary between the control system and the milk mixture flow. It provides the flow restriction capability needed for proper filling while eliminating direct operator contact with the hazardous feed lines, thus protecting operator safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If automated control is implemented, then reproducibility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolding reproducibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into modular components: pressure sensors in each feed line, individual valves for each container, and a centralized PLC. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high reproducibility through automated control while managing complexity through standardized, replaceable modules rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances reproducibility and accuracy of cheese molding by reducing flow rate variations and eliminating the need for manual pipe crushing, while facilitating safer and more precise control of the molding process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure sensor per depressurization line, for detecting a change in the flow rate of the milk mixture in the milk mixture feed line of the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The control device is configured to control the position of each shutter and to compare the pressure in each depressurization line to a threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow control:

Data Source

PatentEP4684633A1System for moulding a dairy product comprising a device for controlling a valve from a representative pressure measurement

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ETAB CHALON MEGARD

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AI summary

The invention relates to a molding system (1) for a dairy product such as cheese. The molding system (1) comprises molding containers (3) for filling molds (4) with a dairy mixture, depressurization lines (25) for the containers, and feed lines (23) for the dairy mixture for the containers (3). The molding system (1) includes a feed valve (6) for the dairy mixture for each container (3) and a control device (8) for each feed valve (6). The control device (8) is configured to compare the pressure in each depressurization line (25) to a threshold value.