Enclosed Dusting Apparatus for Comestible Powder Containment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for applying powdered dusting materials in comestible manufacturing are inefficient, leading to health and safety concerns due to airborne dust and excess buildup, as they do not effectively contain the dusting agent, resulting in surplus application and accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A dusting apparatus with an enclosed chamber is used to apply a powdered dusting agent directly onto the comestible surfaces as it passes through, ensuring containment and controlled application, reducing health risks and excess material accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional dusting apparatus is used to apply powdered dusting material, then the comestible receives dusting coverage, but the dusting material becomes airborne causing health and safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth and safety concerns from airborne dustVSAvoidsurplus of powdered dusting material applied
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A气流 (air stream) is introduced as an intermediary carrier to transport the powdered dusting material from the storage chamber to the comestible surface. The airflow controls the dusting material delivery, preventing it from becoming uncontrolled airborne dust while ensuring precise application where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dusting apparatus creates a controlled environment within the chamber where dusting material is contained and managed. By controlling the air flow and containment environment, the system prevents harmful airborne dust propagation while maintaining effective dusting application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If surplus powdered dusting material is applied to prevent sticking, then anti-sticking properties are improved, but excess material accumulates on product and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-sticking propertiesVSAvoidexcess powdered dusting material accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback through the transparent or translucent chamber, allowing operators to monitor the dusting material application in real-time. This enables precise control to apply only the necessary amount of dusting material, preventing both insufficient anti-sticking coverage and excessive material accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the delivery parameters of dusting material through regulated air flow and controlled release mechanisms. By adjusting these parameters, the system applies the precise amount of dusting material needed for anti-sticking properties without causing excess accumulation on the comestible or equipment surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If powdered dusting material is not contained during application, then application process is simple, but material becomes airborne and requires collection apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedusting apparatus simplicityVSAvoidairborne powdered dusting material
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber is constructed with transparent or translucent walls (flexible shell concept) that contain the dusting material during application while allowing visual monitoring. This containment structure prevents airborne dust propagation without requiring complex collection apparatus, maintaining simplicity while eliminating harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If dusting apparatus applies dusting material without enclosure, then operation is straightforward, but health risks and material buildup increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedusting operation simplicityVSAvoidhealth risks from airborne dust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosed chamber creates a controlled environment that contains dusting material during application. The transparent or translucent design maintains ease of operation by allowing visual monitoring and simple loading/unloading, while the enclosure eliminates health risks from airborne dust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 solution provides a controlled and efficient application of the dusting agent, minimizing health hazards and excess buildup, while ensuring effective anti-sticking properties without the need for additional dust collection equipment.

Implementation Method 1

A dusting apparatus with an enclosed chamber is used to apply a powdered dusting agent directly onto the comestible surfaces as it passes through, ensuring containment and controlled application

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3145318B1Highly efficient dust coating method to improve process and packaging
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC
  • EP3145318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3145318B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3145318B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A method of forming a comestible is provided including transporting the comestible to a dusting apparatus having an enclosed chamber. A dusting agent within the enclosed chamber is directed onto one or more surfaces of the comestible as the comestible passes through the enclosed chamber.