CO2 Trap Container for Measuring Dough Retention and Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring CO2 retention and expulsion in dough and similar organic matter are not precise, as they fail to distinguish between CO2 retained by the dough and CO2 lost to the atmosphere, and are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a bottom compartment for the sample and a top compartment with CO2 trapping means, connected by a separation means, allows for precise measurement of CO2 retention and expulsion by measuring pressure changes in the bottom compartment after gases pass through the top compartment, using soda lime granules for trapping CO2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If macroscopic height measurement of dough in test piece is used, then overall expansion evaluation is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorporation of rheological phenomena and gas pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas phase from the dough matrix by allowing CO2 to escape through a controlled valve into a separate measurement chamber. This separation enables independent measurement of gas production without the confounding rheological effects present in the intact dough, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary liquid medium (mercury or electrolyte solution) that transmits pressure changes from the gas chamber to a measurable displacement or electrical signal. This intermediary enables precise quantification of gas production while isolating the measurement system from the complex rheological behavior of the dough
2Loss of information
If total CO2 production measurement in hermetic pot is used, then kinetic vision of fermentary activity is achieved, but distinction between retained and expelled CO2 is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional zones: a sample chamber where dough ferments and releases CO2, a controlled valve for selective gas release, and a measurement chamber where expelled CO2 is quantified. This segmentation enables differentiation between retained and expelled CO2 while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or controlled action through a valve mechanism that allows gas to escape at specific intervals or under controlled conditions. This periodic release enables measurement of expelled CO2 kinetics while the dough continues fermenting, providing temporal resolution of retention versus expulsion without requiring complex simultaneous dual-channel measurements
3Measurement precision
If CO2 trap is connected via conduit separated from pot, then measurement of overpressure due to dough expansion is achieved, but accurate monitoring of CO2 retention/expulsion kinetics is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 measurement function directly into the sample chamber by using a valve-controlled escape path that allows CO2 to leave the dough matrix and enter a measurement zone within the same sealed system. This integration eliminates the need for separate conduit connections while maintaining the ability to measure expelled CO2 kinetics accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the measurement chamber is positioned within or adjacent to the sample chamber, allowing CO2 to transition from the inner sample environment to the outer measurement environment through a controlled interface. This nesting enables precise measurement of CO2 expulsion kinetics while maintaining a compact, integrated device design
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 design provides reliable and cost-effective measurement of CO2 retention and expulsion over time, distinguishing between absorbed and expelled CO2, and allows for analysis of the influence of ingredients on CO2 retention and expulsion kinetics.
Implementation Method 1
a top compartment (3) receiving means (C) for trapping CO2, positioned in line with and communicating with the bottom compartment (2)
Implementation Method 2
the pressure-measuring means (11) is connected to the exhaust opening (31) of the top compartment (3) of the container (1) so as to be able to determine the change over time in the pressure in the bottom compartment (2)
Implementation Method 3
a separation means (4), disposed between the bottom compartment (2) and the top compartment (3), configured to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment (2) to the top compartment (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A container for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter over time, including: a bottom compartment designed to receive a sample of matter, a top compartment receiving element for trapping CO2, positioned in line with and communicating with the bottom compartment, and having an exhaust opening enabling gas to escape from the top compartment after it passes through the receiving element for trapping CO2, a separation element, disposed between the bottom compartment and the top compartment, configured to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment to the top compartment.