Dough Processing System with Signal-Generating Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dough processing systems lack efficient operating methods to optimize the processing efficiency and quality of dough products, particularly in terms of controlling and regulating the dough state variables across different processing steps.

Innovation Solution

A dough processing system that incorporates signal generation and reception devices, such as dough metering, kneading, dividing, and fermentation devices, to detect and control dough state variables like elasticity, viscosity, and temperature, enabling cross-process control and regulation through a control system that communicates these parameters across various processing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple dough processing devices are operated independently, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and quality consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidquality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independently operated dough processing devices (dough dosing device, dough kneading device, dough portion finishing device, dough portion fermentation device) into an integrated system controlled by a single control/regulation device. This merging allows coordination of all processing steps to ensure consistent quality while maintaining the modular structure of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control/regulation device receives signals from sensors monitoring dough state variables (elasticity, viscosity, temperature) at different processing stages and adjusts operating parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures quality consistency across all devices by continuously adapting processing conditions based on actual dough state measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time monitoring of dough state variables is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control/regulation device serves multiple functions: it coordinates all dough processing devices, monitors dough state variables from various sensors, regulates operating parameters, and maintains quality consistency. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functions rather than adding separate monitoring and control systems for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control/regulation device acts as an intermediary between sensors monitoring dough state variables and the dough processing devices. It receives signals from sensors, processes the information, and adjusts device operations accordingly, simplifying the system architecture by centralizing the mediation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If cross-process control is implemented across multiple processing steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality consistencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control/regulation device continuously monitors dough state variables and adjusts processing parameters in real-time without interruption. This continuous control ensures quality consistency while minimizing idle time between processing steps, as each device operates optimally based on current dough conditions rather than following fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters of different dough processing devices based on real-time dough state measurements. Rather than using static, predetermined processing times, the system adapts processing durations and intensities to actual dough conditions, optimizing the total processing time while maintaining quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4356739B1Dough processing system having a plurality of dough processing devices and method for operating such a dough processing system
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 WP KEMPER
  • EP4356739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4356739B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4356739B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A dough processing system comprises a dough dosing unit (60), a dough kneading unit (61), a dough portion finishing unit (64), and a dough portion fermentation unit (65) as dough processing units. At least one of these is designed as a signal-generating dough processing unit with at least one sensor for a dough condition variable. At least one other dough processing unit is designed as a signal-receiving dough processing unit with at least one processing component that can be switched between several operating states. The dough processing system has a control unit that communicates with the at least one sensor of the signal-generating dough processing unit and with the at least one signal-receiving dough processing unit. This results in a dough processing system and an operating procedure for it with improved operational efficiency.