Downward Bubble Extensiometer for Dough Sphericity and Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough analysis methods using extensimeters, such as the alveograph, face challenges with automation, cleaning, clogging, and imperfect bubble sphericity due to conventional gas pressure application on the underside of the dough disc, leading to suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying gas pressure to the upper face of a dough disc to form a bubble that extends downwards, allowing for improved sphericity, easier robotization, and reduced fouling, using a device with a movable support plate and a crown mechanism for crushing and releasing the dough, enabling efficient cleaning and bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gas pressure is applied to the underside of the dough disc to form a bubble, then the bubble can be inflated and analyzed, but the bubble sphericity is imperfect and the blowing orifice becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by applying gas pressure to the upper face of the dough disc instead of the underside. This reversal causes the bubble to form and extend downward through the crown opening, preventing the blowing orifice from becoming clogged while improving bubble sphericity through the constrained downward expansion path
2Extent of automation
If the dough disc is crushed between plates to improve positioning and bubble formation, then automation and cleaning are facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dough disc is crushed between the lower plate and crown before bubble formation to pre-position and pre-shape the sample. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and eliminates the need for complex automated positioning systems during the actual testing phase
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a fixed upper plate with blowing orifice, a movable crown that can approach and recede, and a lower plate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying automation while managing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the crown is moved closer to the upper plate to crush the dough, then bubble formation is improved, but the cleaning process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The crown is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. It can approach the upper plate for crushing and bubble formation, then recede to create space for easy removal of burst sample material, facilitating cleaning while maintaining precise bubble formation when needed
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 approach results in better sphericity of the bubble, facilitates automation, simplifies cleaning, and prevents orifice fouling, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of dough analysis.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the disc of dough to a gas pressure on its upper face so that the bubble forms by extension, downwards
Implementation Method 2
the disc of dough is crushed beforehand between two plates, respectively lower and upper
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the blow analysis of the characteristics of a paste sample in the shape of a disk clamped on the periphery thereof and submitted to a gas pressure in order to form a bubble (12') that is inflated to explosion, the method of the invention being characterised in that it comprises submitting the paste disk to a gas pressure on the upper surface thereof so that the bubble (12') is formed by downward extension. The invention also relates to an extensiometer for implementing said method, that comprises a fixed upper plate (1) with a blockable blowing opening and a crown (6) defining a central hole (8) and provided under the main plate (1), wherein said crown is translatably mounted relative to the upper plate in order to get close to it and maintained in this position and to be moved away from it, while a mobile bearing platen (9) is provided for conveying the paste disk under said crown (6), said mobile bearing platen being sized in order to be inserted in the central hole (8) of the crown and completing the latter in order to define therewith a lower plate for pressing the paste disk when getting closer to the upper plate (1).