Dough Mold Identification Marks for Automated Processing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough processing systems lack efficient methods for identifying and adapting to different dough piece molds during proofing and baking, leading to inconsistent processing and potential damage or inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dough piece molds with machine-readable identification marks containing mold type and individualization data, allowing for type-dependent activation of processing stations and imaging monitoring or volume determination to ensure accurate processing and maintenance, using a ceramic-containing carrier for durability and a QR code for cost-effective data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dough processing systems are used without identification marks, then the system structure remains simple, but mold-type-dependent control and individual tracking of dough pieces cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identification marks (such as QR codes, data matrices, or RFID tags) as information copies attached to physical dough pieces and molds. These marks encode mold type information and individual identification data, allowing the control system to recognize and adapt processing parameters without requiring complex mechanical identification mechanisms. The reading devices optically or electromagnetically capture this information, enabling mold-type-dependent control while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual monitoring of dough pieces is performed, then equipment complexity is reduced, but processing consistency and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements imaging monitoring devices that capture images of dough pieces at various processing stages (after filling, before proofing, after removal). These images are analyzed to detect special operating conditions such as incorrect dough piece placement, damage, or contamination. The system provides feedback to the control unit, which can then adjust processing parameters or flag problematic pieces for rejection, ensuring consistent quality control without requiring continuous manual inspection.
3Productivity
If individual identification of each dough piece is implemented, then specific data assignment and individual treatment become possible, but the complexity of data management and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal identification mark format (such as QR codes or data matrices) that can encode multiple types of information including mold type data and individual identification data. This single identification system serves multiple functions: tracking individual dough pieces through the production line, assigning specific data to particular pieces, enabling individual treatment decisions, and providing information for quality control and productivity analysis. The control unit processes this universal data format to implement individualized processing without requiring separate complex data management systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dough mold (1) serves to hold at least one dough piece during a fermentation and baking process. The dough mold (1) has at least one machine-readable identification mark (3) with a ceramic carrier containing identification data, including mold type data and unique individualization data for the respective dough mold (1). A dough processing system (10) can be used to carry out a dough processing process using a plurality of such dough molds (1). The dough processing system (10) has a mold preparation device (12) for preparing the dough molds (1) to be loaded. A loading device (18) is used to load the dough molds (1) with at least one prepared dough piece each. A fermentation device (20) is used for fermenting the dough pieces. An oven (28) is used for baking the dough pieces. A removal device (30) is used for removing the baked dough pieces from the dough molds (1).A transfer device is used to transfer the dough piece molds (1) for reloading preparation. At least one mold type reader (17, 25, 29, 37) is used to read the mold type identification of a dough piece mold (1). At least one individual reader (21, 26, 32, 36, 40) is used to read the individual identification of the dough piece molds (1). This results in the possibility of quality control with simultaneously high and energy-efficient dough piece throughput.