Dual-Container Ice Cream Machine with Recirculation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods and machines for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, such as ice cream, face challenges in achieving high-quality, rapid, and repeatable production while maintaining simplicity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A machine comprising a first processing container with a cooling cylinder, a rotary stirrer, and a thermal treatment system, along with a connecting duct and control unit, allows for the recirculation and uniform processing of the product, enabling efficient transfer and dispensing of high-quality ice cream products by controlling the flow between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single container is used for processing and dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to waiting times for freezing and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two independent processing containers (first container 2 and second container 21), each capable of simultaneous operation. The first container processes basic liquid products while the second container freezes and stores the processed product, allowing continuous production without waiting for freezing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The first container performs preliminary processing of the basic liquid product (mixing, homogenization) before transfer to the second container for freezing. This preliminary action allows the freezing process to begin earlier and in parallel with ongoing processing, reducing overall production time.
2Productivity
If product transfer between containers is continuous, then the productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to potential quality variations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit 60 replicates the optimal processing parameters and sequence in both containers, ensuring that each container operates with identical settings for mixing, thermal treatment, and processing duration. This copying of parameters guarantees consistent product quality across continuous production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors monitor temperature, mixing speed, and processing parameters in real-time in both containers, with the control unit continuously adjusting operations to maintain precise quality standards during continuous transfer and processing.
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 ensures consistent quality and rapid production of ice cream products by optimizing processing and dispensing, reducing serving times and maintaining product uniformity through controlled recirculation and thermal treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling cylinder 20 mounted inside the first container (2)
Implementation Method 2
a thermal system comprising at least a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, which are operatively associated respectively with the first container and with the second processing container for exchanging heat with the basic product or with the desired product
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products, comprising: 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 second processing container (21); - a connecting duct (52) between the first container (2) and the second container (21); - a dispensing device (23) associated with the first processing container (2) and configured, in a dispensing configuration, to deliver the liquid or semi-liquid product to the outside or, in an inhibiting configuration, to prevent the liquid or semi-liquid product from being dispensed; - a shutoff valve (26) configured, in a closed configuration, to close the connecting duct (52) between the first container (2) and the second container (21) or, in an open configuration, to open the connecting duct (52) between the first container (2) and the second container (21).