Dual-Container Ice Cream Machine with Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, such as ice cream, are limited in their ability to produce a wide range of products and often result in non-uniform processing due to inadequate temperature distribution and product recirculation.
Innovation Solution
A machine comprising a first processing container with a cooling cylinder and a rotary stirrer, a thermal treatment system, and a second processing container connected via a duct with a shutoff valve, allowing for recirculation and uniform processing of the product, along with a dispensing device for efficient product delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-container machine is used, then the structure is simple, but the product range is limited and processing uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two separate processing containers (first container for basic product preparation, second container for final product formation) that can operate independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows each container to be optimized for specific processing stages while maintaining overall system versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal components that can handle multiple product types (ice cream, sorbet, granita, frozen beverages) through a single integrated system. The first and second containers can process various ingredients and formulations, making the machine adaptable to different products without requiring separate specialized equipment for each product type.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single processing container is used, then the device complexity is low, but temperature distribution uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into two containers with separate thermal treatment systems. Each container has its own heat exchanger and temperature control, allowing independent temperature management and ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the product volume without requiring a single complex oversized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine enables continuous processing with the first container preparing basic product while the second container simultaneously forms and finishes the product. This continuous operation with multiple stages ensures uniform temperature distribution and processing throughout the entire product batch without interruption or temperature variation.
3Manufacturing precision
If product recirculation is not implemented, then the device complexity is low, but processing uniformity is poor and product accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation function is merged into the existing dual-container structure by using the first container to receive and recirculate basic product back to itself or to the second container. This integration of recirculation into the standard processing flow achieves uniform processing without adding separate complex recirculation equipment.
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
The machine is capable of producing a variety of ice cream and frozen products with uniform processing, preventing product accumulation and ensuring consistent temperature, thus enhancing operational simplicity and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling cylinder (20) mounted inside the first container (2)
Implementation Method 2
a thermal treatment system (22) provided with at least a first exchanger (22A) associated with the cooling cylinder (20)
Implementation Method 3
a rotary stirrer (5) mounted inside the chamber (3)
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerating circuit, associated with the cylinder, in which a refrigerating fluid flows that performs a heat exchange with the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products, characterized in that it comprises: - a first processing container (2) for processing a basic liquid or semi-liquid product and defining a processing chamber (3); - a cooling cylinder (20) mounted inside the first container (2); - a rotary stirrer (5) mounted inside the first container (2) and outside the cooling cylinder (20); - a thermal treatment system (22) provided with at least a first exchanger (22A) associated with the cooling cylinder (20); - a second processing container (21); - a connecting duct (52) designed to connect the second processing container (21) to the first processing container (2) to transfer the basic liquid or semi-liquid product from the second processing container (21) to the first processing container (2); - a dispensing device (23) associated with the first processing container (2) to deliver the liquid or semi-liquid product to the outside.