Dielectric Sensing in Conching for Real-Time Moisture Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conching processes for producing high-quality chocolate are time and energy consuming, and existing methods for monitoring moisture content are inefficient, often requiring manual sampling and labor-intensive quality control.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a dielectric sensor to continuously monitor the dielectric properties of the chocolate mass, allowing for real-time determination of moisture content and process optimization, eliminating the need for sampling and reducing operational effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional conching processes are used to produce high-quality chocolate, then the desired quality (low moisture content, elimination of undesirable flavors) is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of dielectric properties during the conching process using a sensor device. This provides real-time feedback on moisture content and other parameters, allowing the process to be optimized and terminated when quality targets are reached, rather than requiring fixed extended processing times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sampling and quality assessment methods with automated dielectric sensing. The dielectric sensor continuously measures moisture content and other properties without mechanical intervention, enabling real-time process control and reducing the time needed to determine when quality targets are achieved.
2Measurement precision
If manual sampling methods are used to monitor moisture content during conching, then quality control can be performed, but labor effort increases and contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric sensor performs self-contained, continuous measurement of moisture content and other dielectric properties directly within the chocolate mass during processing. The system monitors itself without requiring external manual sampling or intervention, eliminating labor while maintaining precise measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sampling operations with automated dielectric sensing. The sensor device continuously measures moisture content through non-contact or minimal-contact dielectric measurement, eliminating the need for workers to physically sample and analyze the chocolate mass, thereby reducing labor effort and contamination risks.
3Manufacturing precision
If the conching process is extended to ensure quality requirements are met, then manufacturing precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Continuous dielectric monitoring provides real-time feedback on moisture content and other quality parameters during conching. This enables the process to be terminated as soon as quality targets are achieved, preventing unnecessary extension of the process and reducing energy consumption associated with prolonged heating and mixing operations.
4Reliability
If traditional quality control methods are used, then process monitoring can be performed, but the complexity of manual operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual quality control operations with automated dielectric sensing. The sensor device continuously measures multiple parameters (moisture content, viscosity, temperature) through dielectric properties, providing reliable quality control through a streamlined automated system rather than multiple manual procedures.
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 efficient and precise monitoring and control of the conching process, ensuring optimal moisture content and quality of chocolate production while minimizing labor and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by means of a sensor device with a dielectric sensor, dielectric properties of the product mass in an environment of the dielectric sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1; 1'; 1"; 101; 201) for processing a product mass (M), comprising a container (2) for receiving the product mass (M), at least one product mass processing tool (17) in the container (2) designed to act on the product mass (M), and at least one sensor device (41; 41a-c) with a dielectric sensor (44), wherein the sensor device (41; 41a-c) is arranged and configured such that the dielectric properties of the product mass (M) in the vicinity of the dielectric sensor (44) can be detected continuously or at least intermittently. The invention further relates to a method for processing a product mass (M), in particular by means of such a device (1; 1'; 1"; 101; 201).