Filled Foodstuff Machine Thermal Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing filled foodstuff products are limited in versatility and primarily designed for producing specific types of products, such as pralines, without the ability to easily adapt for producing multiple types of foodstuff products.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a dispensing unit featuring dual outlets and valve units for controlling the flow of two foodstuff materials, along with a thermal-conditioning system for selectively cooling or heating the first material, allowing for the production of various types of filled food products by varying the operating settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is designed with a single cooling unit for the first material, then cold fillings can be produced, but the machine cannot produce hot fillings or handle temperature-sensitive materials requiring heating
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can cool the first material when producing cold fillings, heat the first material when producing hot fillings, and selectively apply thermal conditioning to different materials based on the product type. This multi-functionality allows a single machine to produce diverse filled foodstuff products including pralines, ice creams, and other confectionery items with varying temperature requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal conditioning system incorporates dynamic control capabilities through the control unit, which can adjust the thermal state of materials based on the specific product being produced. The system can switch between heating and cooling modes, and can selectively apply thermal conditioning to the first material, the second material, or both, depending on the requirements of the filling material and product type
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine lacks selective thermal conditioning for the second material, then the system remains simple, but it cannot accommodate temperature-sensitive second materials requiring specific thermal treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning system applies thermal treatment locally and selectively to different materials based on their specific requirements. The control unit can independently control the thermal conditioning of the first material and the second material, allowing each material to receive the appropriate thermal treatment (heating or cooling) based on its properties and the product being produced, without unnecessarily treating the other material
3Manufacturing precision
If the dispensing unit delivers materials simultaneously without individual flow control, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but it cannot achieve precise control over material delivery timing and proportions
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into independent control units for each material stream. The valve unit includes separate valves for controlling the flow of the first material and the second material, allowing independent timing and proportion control of each material delivery. This segmentation enables precise control over the dispensing process, including the ability to deliver materials simultaneously or sequentially, and to control the exact proportions of each material in the final product
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 achieves versatility in producing multiple types of filled food products, including those with cold or hot fillings, by allowing for precise control over the temperature and flow of the materials, thereby expanding the range of products that can be manufactured.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-exchange unit (54), which is connected to the circuit (52) for being traversed by the thermal-conditioning fluid and is configured for setting the thermal-conditioning fluid in a condition of heat exchange with the inner surface (S) of the first container (2)
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit (56) for cooling the thermal-conditioning fluid
Implementation Method 3
a heating unit (58) for heating the thermal-conditioning fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Described herein is a machine for producing a filled foodstuff product, comprising: - a first container (2) for receiving a first foodstuff material; - a second container (4) for receiving a second foodstuff material, or else a connection unit for connecting a second container, which contains the second material, to the machine; - a dispensing unit (6) comprising at least one dispensing nozzle (14), wherein the dispensing nozzle comprises a first outlet (14A) and a second outlet (14B) that is external to the first outlet (14A) and surrounds it; - at least one valve unit (8, 12) for controlling a flow of the first material to the first outlet (14A) and a flow of the second material to the second outlet (14B); and - a control unit (90) for governing the at least one valve unit (8, 12) so as to generate, either individually or simultaneously, a flow of material through the first outlet (14A) and a flow of material through the second outlet (14B). The machine is characterized in that that it comprises a thermal-conditioning system (50) for selectively cooling or else heating an inner surface (S) of the first container (2) so as to cool or heat the first material contained in the first container.