Dynamic Mixing Volume Control for Dough Ball Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for making flat edibles like roti and tortilla face challenges in incorporating all ingredients evenly, managing gluten development, and controlling the mixing process, leading to inefficiencies and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A mixing system comprising a cup, a blade, and a drive system that adjusts the mixing volume by moving the blade and cup, allowing for dynamic control of the mixing process, ingredient incorporation, and gluten development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If an enlarged mixing bowl is used to accommodate gluten development volume increase, then the mixing volume is sufficient, but dough sticks to the shaft and upper surfaces of the blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable blade assembly that can change its position relative to the mixing bowl. The blade is mounted on a movable support structure that allows it to be raised and lowered during the mixing process. This dynamic adjustment enables the blade to maintain optimal contact with the dough without sticking to the shaft or upper surfaces, resolving the contradiction between sufficient mixing volume and dough sticking issues
2Extent of automation
If a central shaft blade system is used for automated mixing, then automation is achieved, but ingredients remain in areas where the blade cannot access them
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is divided into multiple segments or components that can move independently. The blade includes lateral movement capability in addition to rotational motion, allowing different parts of the blade to access different areas of the mixing bowl. This segmented, multi-directional approach ensures all ingredients are incorporated uniformly while maintaining automated operation
3Volume of stationary object
If the mixing bowl volume is increased to account for gluten development, then adequate mixing space is provided, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed large-volume bowl, the patent employs a dynamic system where the blade assembly moves laterally and vertically within a more compact mixing bowl. The movable support structure allows the blade to adapt its position during mixing, providing adequate mixing space through motion rather than through increased static volume, thereby reducing overall system 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 system ensures all ingredients are evenly incorporated, manages gluten development effectively, and reduces manual intervention by dynamically adjusting the mixing volume based on mixing time and dough development, resulting in consistent dough ball formation.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system for moving at least one of the blade and the cup to change a size of the mixing volume
Implementation Method 2
a blade for mixing the ingredients in the cup to develop the dough ball
Implementation Method 3
The drive system may comprise a load detection system for detecting a weight of ingredients dispensed into the cup
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mixing system for making a dough ball. The mixing system comprises a cup for receiving a plurality of ingredients to be mixed, the cup comprising a base and side wall. The mixing system also comprises a blade for mixing the ingredients in the cup to develop the dough ball, the blade and cup together defining a mixing volume, and a drive system for moving at least one of the blade and the cup to change a size of the mixing volume.