Dual Container Liquid Processing Machine with Segmented Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing liquid or semi-liquid products, such as those used in patisseries and ice cream parlors, are often inefficient in terms of space usage and operational costs due to the need for multiple machines to perform various processes.
Innovation Solution
A versatile machine capable of making multiple liquid or semi-liquid products, incorporating a dual container system with heat exchangers, mixers, and a control unit that allows for different processing configurations, including pasteurization and batch freezing, and includes features like a separating element and dispensing device for efficient product transfer and consistency detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different liquid product processes, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total floor space required and the number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate processing machines (pasteurizer, batch freezer, and other liquid product processors) into a single integrated machine. The machine includes a first container for pasteurization with a first mixer and thermal system, and a second container for batch freezing with a second mixer, allowing multiple processes to be performed in one device, thereby reducing floor space and the total number of devices required
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pasteurize liquid products in the first container and batch freeze products in the second container. The thermal system can operate in different modes (heating for pasteurization, cooling for freezing) and the mixers can be independently controlled, enabling the single machine to replace multiple specialized devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different liquid product processes, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate processing machines (pasteurizer, batch freezer, and other liquid product processors) into a single integrated machine. The machine includes a first container for pasteurization with a first mixer and thermal system, and a second container for batch freezing with a second mixer, allowing multiple processes to be performed in one device, thereby reducing floor space and the total number of devices required
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pasteurize liquid products in the first container and batch freeze products in the second container. The thermal system can operate in different modes (heating for pasteurization, cooling for freezing) and the mixers can be independently controlled, enabling the single machine to replace multiple specialized devices
3Area of stationary object
If a single machine performs multiple processes, then space and costs are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a first container for pasteurization with its own mixer and thermal exchange system, and a second container for batch freezing with its own mixer. The control unit separately manages each container's operations, allowing complex multi-process functionality while maintaining manageable structural organization through clear segmentation of functions
4Area of stationary object
If a single machine performs multiple processes, then space and costs are reduced, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to independently control the first mixer, second mixer, and thermal system based on the specific process requirements. The system can monitor and adjust parameters for pasteurization and batch freezing operations separately, providing feedback control that simplifies operation despite the machine's multi-functional complexity
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 reduces the need for multiple devices by performing multiple processes in a single unit, saving space and costs while ensuring precise control over product consistency and quality, effectively replacing the functions of pasteurizers and batch freezers.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal system comprising at least a first heat exchanger (4A) and a second heat exchanger (4B), which are operatively associated respectively with the first container (2A) and with the second processing container (2B for exchanging heat with the basic liquid or semi-liquid products
Implementation Method 2
a second container (2B) for processing the basic liquid and semi-liquid products, for converting the basic liquid and semi-liquid products into a desired liquid or semi-liquid product
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for making liquid and semi-liquid products includes a first container and first mixer for processing a basic product and a second container and second mixer for converting the basic product into a desired product. First and second heat exchangers are operatively associated respectively with the first and second containers. First and second drive units respectively drive the first and second mixers. A connecting duct allows transfer of the basic product from the first container to the second container. A separating element is associated with the duct and switchable between a separating configuration in which the transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is prevented, and a connecting configuration in which a transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is allowed.