Cheese Solids Pressing and Vacuum Treatment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional cheese making process is inefficient in removing residual whey liquid from cheese solids, as it requires separate steps for pressing and vacuum treatment, leading to increased handling and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A system that simultaneously presses cheese solids into a compacted mass and applies a vacuum to the compressed cheese solids using a carousel with multiple carrier tray members, vacuum plenum members, and pneumatic ram members to expel whey liquid through perforations in the containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate steps for pressing and vacuum treatment are used, then each step can be performed with dedicated equipment, but processing time increases and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressing and vacuum treatment operations into a single integrated system. The pressing ram applies mechanical pressure to compact cheese solids while the vacuum system simultaneously removes whey liquid through the same container, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the pressing mechanism compacts the cheese solids while the vacuum system extracts whey, and both operations occur within the same processing chamber and time frame, making the system multi-functional and efficient.
2Reliability
If separate steps for pressing and vacuum treatment are used, then each operation can be optimized independently, but operator handling and intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging pressing and vacuum treatment into one simultaneous operation within a single processing chamber, the system reduces the number of times containers must be transferred and handled. The integrated design allows both operations to occur without removing containers from the processing position.
3Productivity
If simultaneous pressing and vacuum treatment is applied, then processing time decreases and handling is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a pressing mechanism with a movable ram, a vacuum system with separate chambers, and a carousel for container positioning. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the shared processing chamber, allowing simultaneous operations while maintaining manageable system architecture.
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 system enables quick processing of cheese solids with minimal handling by simultaneously compacting and vacuum-treating the cheese, efficiently removing residual whey liquid and reducing operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source selectively applies a vacuum to the closed volume formed by each plenum member which is sealingly positioned on an associated carrier tray member
Implementation Method 2
The rod portion includes an end portion adapted for applying pressure to a container cover fitted into the top opening of a cheese solids perforated container to compress cheese solids therein
Data Source
AI summary
A system for pressing and vacuum treatment of cheese solids is disclosed. The system includes a device for continuously treating loaded cheese solids containers with mechanical pressure and vacuum during movement of the containers in a circular path. Preferably, mechanical pressure and vacuum treatment are applied simultaneously to the loaded cheese solids containers.