Conching device and method for conching a product mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conching devices in chocolate production face challenges in achieving high product quality efficiently and with low energy consumption, as existing methods often result in inconsistent results and high energy demands.
Innovation Solution
A conching device with a rotating shaft and conching tools that exert compression and shear forces through a circulatory path with a narrowing radial gap, combined with air supply and weight sensing for controlled processing, to enhance mixing and moisture removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional conching methods are used to process product mass, then mixing and moisture removal are achieved, but energy consumption is high and processing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The conching tool is designed with a variable radial gap that dynamically changes during rotation. The gap is larger at the inlet side to facilitate product mass intake and smaller at the outlet side to intensify mixing and moisture removal. This dynamic gap variation optimizes both energy efficiency and processing effectiveness throughout the circulatory path.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conching tool's circulatory path are designed with different gap characteristics. The inlet region has a larger gap for efficient material intake, while the outlet region has a smaller gap for intensive processing. This local differentiation of gap size allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional conching devices are used, then product mass is processed, but product quality consistency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The radial gap parameter is systematically varied along the circulatory path of the conching tool. By changing the gap size from larger at the inlet to smaller at the outlet, the device achieves consistent product quality through controlled shear and compression forces throughout the processing cycle, without requiring complex additional components.
3Strength
If the radial gap between conching tool and container wall is uniform, then device structure is simple, but mixing intensity and moisture removal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The operative surface is designed to create a dynamic radial gap that varies along the circulatory path. This variable gap generates changing shear and compression forces on the product mass during rotation, significantly enhancing mixing intensity and moisture removal effectiveness compared to a uniform gap design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conching tool features locally optimized gap sizes: larger gaps at the inlet for material intake and smaller gaps at the outlet for intensive mixing and moisture removal. This local variation in gap quality intensifies processing where needed while maintaining overall device simplicity.
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 device achieves improved product quality by intensifying mixing and moisture removal, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring efficient processing through controlled temperature and air supply, leading to a more consistent and efficient chocolate production process.
Implementation Method 1
exerting compression and/or shear forces
Implementation Method 2
exerting compression and/or shear forces
Implementation Method 3
discharging moisture
Implementation Method 4
air supply
Data Source
AI summary
A conching apparatus having: a container, which forms an accommodating space for a product mass, a shaft, which is accommodated, at least in part, in the container and is designed to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and at least one conching tool, which is coupled to the shaft for joint rotation therewith, the conching tool therefore, during conching operation of the conching apparatus, moving in a first direction of circulation along a circulatory path. The conching tool here includes an operative surface, which is directed towards the inner wall of the container and is designed such that a radial gap between the inner wall of the container and the operative surface decreases, at least in part, counter to the first direction of circulation. The invention also relates to a method for conching a product mass.