Chocolate Mass Mixer with Tangential Impact Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing and kneading devices for chocolate masses are inefficient in homogenizing and preparing the mass for subsequent processes, as they rely on gravity-driven mechanisms that do not effectively utilize the entire surface area for kneading and can lead to mass loss or incomplete mixing.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal mixer with a cylindrical inner wall and a shaft equipped with tools, including shearing and impact surfaces, where the mass is accelerated tangentially to hit an impact surface, allowing for multiple compressions and effective kneading, and optionally featuring counter-rotating screw belts and a temperature control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gravity-driven mechanisms are used for mixing and kneading, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing and kneading efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotating impact surface that dynamically changes the kneading mechanism from passive gravity-driven to active mechanically-driven. The impact surface rotates in a direction opposite to the mass flow, creating dynamic compression and folding actions that significantly enhance kneading efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the integration of the impact surface into the existing mixer architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mass is only moved by tools along the inner wall, then the device structure is simple, but the homogenization is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating impact surface acts as an intermediary element between the mass and the mixing tools. It receives the mass from the tools, applies mechanical compression and folding through its rotation, and returns the mass to the tools for further processing. This intermediary mechanism ensures complete homogenization by adding a compression-folding action that passive tool movement cannot achieve, while the impact surface is integrated into the existing vessel structure to minimize overall complexity.
3Productivity
If the impact surface is arranged outside the rotating body, then the tool path is simplified, but the kneading effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact surface is nested within the existing mixer structure, specifically positioned inside the cylindrical vessel and within the path of the rotating tools. The impact surface rotates concentrically with the mass flow, creating a nested configuration where the impact surface is contained within the existing structural envelope. This nesting allows the impact surface to be integrated into the current device architecture without requiring external additions, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving enhanced kneading effects through the combination of compression and folding actions.
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 design enhances the mixing and kneading process by ensuring comprehensive homogenization and efficient preparation of chocolate masses for further processing, minimizing waste and optimizing the kneading effect through controlled speed and trajectory adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the mass is accelerated tangentially to hit an impact surface
Implementation Method 2
the mass is accelerated tangentially to hit an impact surface, allowing for multiple compressions and effective kneading
Implementation Method 3
the mass is lifted by the tools in an upward direction, detaches itself from the tool at the top and falls due to gravity through the space between the tool and the shaft onto the lower part of the inner wall of the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a device for mixing and kneading masses (1), in particular chocolate masses, and to a method for mixing and kneading masses, in particular chocolate masses. The device comprises a vessel (2) with an inner wall (3) that at least partially replicates the outer surface of a body of revolution, and a shaft (11) and at least one tool (10, 13) attached thereto. At least one, in particular planar, impact surface (8) extending in the axial direction is arranged in the vessel (2).