Edible Block with Embedded Objects Using Starch Binder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating blocks with embedded objects of contrasting colors are not cost-effective and may pose health hazards due to the use of harmful materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer to calculate layer images, printing with harmless food-grade ink on edible paper wafers made from potato starch and vegetable oil, and superimposing and activating these layers with water to form a block, using starch as a binder, which can include additional substances to modify material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional methods are used to create blocks with embedded objects, then the blocks can be produced, but the process is not cost-effective and may pose health hazards due to harmful materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional harmful materials to edible materials (potato starch, vegetable oil, food coloring). This substitution transforms the block into a safe, edible product while maintaining the core functionality of embedding contrasting objects. The binder system uses starch activated by water or steam, replacing harmful adhesives with food-safe alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure using multiple edible materials: potato starch wafers as the base material, vegetable oil for binding, and food coloring for contrast. This composite approach combines different food-safe materials to achieve the desired properties of safety, embeddability, and visual contrast without using harmful substances.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water or steam is used to activate the starch binder, then the sheets bond together to form a homogeneous block, but excessive moisture penetration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a controlled amount of water or steam to activate the starch binder - enough to achieve proper bonding between sheets but not so much that excessive moisture penetrates the material. The process uses brief steam treatment or controlled water application followed by quick drying, implementing partial action to achieve the desired bonding without over-saturating the edible blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation process uses brief steam treatment or quick water application followed by rapid drying. The moisture penetration is controlled by limiting the exposure time and immediately removing excess water, allowing the starch to activate and bond sheets without allowing excessive moisture to compromise the material structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If food coloring is used to create contrasting objects, then health safety is improved, but the ink may not provide sufficient color contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses food coloring with high chroma and saturation to achieve sufficient color contrast between embedded objects and the block matrix. Different vibrant colors (reds, blues, greens, yellows) are selected to ensure clear visual distinction. The coloring is applied in sufficient concentration to penetrate the edible paper wafers completely, ensuring homogeneous color distribution and maximum contrast visibility.
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
This approach allows for the cost-effective creation of safe, non-hazardous blocks where embedded objects can be revealed by machining, with enhanced safety features like color stripes warning of the object's presence, and the block dries quickly to prevent moisture issues.
Implementation Method 1
activating an in or binders present on or applied to the sheets to form the block. The binder used is starch, which is activated by applying or introducing water onto the individual sheets or into the block.
Implementation Method 2
The use of water vapor causes a complete penetration of the pressed leaves, but it avoids excessive moisture penetration of the material
Implementation Method 3
the block dries out easily after a steam treatment in a short time
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves computing multiple layers reproducing coating images of an object by a computer. Where the layers reproducing coating images are laid on one another. Multiple sheets are printed with one of the coating images by a printer.