Contact Flour Applicator for Accurate Dough Side Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying flour to dough pieces, such as using gravity or air flow, result in inefficient flour usage and lack accuracy, particularly when applying flour to the vertical sides of dough pieces, as they are, and existing methods like oil can contaminate the product and are not effectively address the challenge of applying flour to the sides of dough pieces.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reservoir, agitator, and movable flour applicator that allows for controlled application of flour, preventing agglomeration and enabling precise application to the sides of dough pieces, reducing spillage and fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity or air flow is used to apply flour to dough pieces, then the application process is simple, but the flour application accuracy and control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flour applicator as an intermediary device between the flour reservoir and the dough piece. This applicator carries flour on its surface and transfers it to the dough, providing controlled application while maintaining operational simplicity. The applicator acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple flour storage and precise flour application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical systems (gravity-driven pouring or air flow) with a controlled mechanical applicator system. The applicator is moved along the dough piece in a controlled manner, substituting uncontrolled mechanical flour delivery with a regulated mechanical application process that achieves both simplicity and precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional flour applicators are used, then the device structure is simple, but flour spillage occurs and control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film or coated surface on the flour applicator to hold and transport flour. This flexible surface allows flour to be carried smoothly without spilling, while the applicator itself remains structurally simple. The thin film acts as a containment layer that prevents flour loss during transport and application.
3Manufacturing precision
If oil is applied instead of flour to prevent sticking, then the application is more controlled, but the product is contaminated and ingredients list is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flour-coated applicator as an intermediary that transfers flour to the dough piece without requiring oil or other contaminants. The applicator surface serves as the mediator that enables controlled flour application while maintaining product purity, eliminating the need for oil-based anti-sticking agents.
4Reliability
If flour is applied to vertical sides of dough pieces, then sticking prevention is improved, but conventional methods cannot achieve accurate application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic applicator system that can be positioned and moved along the vertical sides of the dough piece. The applicator's movable design allows it to adapt to different positions on the dough surface, enabling accurate flour application to vertical sides while maintaining reliability in preventing sticking.
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
Enables continuous and controlled application of flour to the sides of dough pieces, minimizing waste and ensuring accurate application to prevent sticking, while avoiding the use of oil that could contaminate the product.
Implementation Method 1
at least one agitator in particular configured for displacing at least part of the flour in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the agitator is configured for displacing flour from said reservoir through the at least one feed through opening and/or for displacing flour from said reservoir onto the flour applicator
Implementation Method 3
configured to apply flour to a dough piece, wherein the reservoir comprises at least one feed through opening, and wherein the agitator is configured for displacing flour from said reservoir through the at least one feed through opening
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device, system and method for applying flour onto a dough piece. The device according to the invention comprises a reservoir for providing a supply of flour, an agitator for displacing at least part of the flour in the reservoir and a flour applicator configured to apply flour to a dough piece, wherein the device is configured such that flour is applied onto a dough piece by means of the flour applicator upon contact therewith.