Food Processing Machine Blockchain Node for Authentic Process Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products face challenges in efficiently and securely storing and transmitting process information, with risks of data loss and authenticity issues due to reliance on central servers.

Innovation Solution

The machine employs a distributed architecture database of the blockchain type, with a processing and control unit that includes a data communication interface connected to the internet, using a proof-of-work or proof-of-stake protocol, and incorporates sensors to capture operating parameters, ensuring secure and decentralized data storage and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a central server is used to store process data, then data storage is simplified and centralized, but the risk of data loss increases and data authenticity cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata authenticityVSAvoiddata storage architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized data storage system into multiple distributed nodes across the production line. Each machine (mixing machine, extruder, molding machine, etc.) becomes an independent node that stores and verifies data locally, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized storage while ensuring data authenticity through distributed consensus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blockchain-based distributed ledger as an intermediary layer between machines and the central server. This intermediary ensures data authenticity by creating immutable records that cannot be altered without consensus, while the underlying hardware remains distributed rather than centralized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If periodic backups are implemented, then some data loss risk is reduced, but continuous data protection cannot be achieved and data authenticity remains compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata protection response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous data protection through real-time blockchain consensus mechanisms. Instead of periodic backups, data is continuously verified, stored, and authenticated across the distributed network as it is generated, providing uninterrupted protection against data loss and authentication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary data authentication and validation at the source before data enters the storage system. Each machine validates its own data and the data from upstream machines in real-time, preventing corrupted or unauthorized data from entering the storage network in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If more machines are connected to the distributed database, then data authenticity and security improve, but system complexity and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata authenticityVSAvoidnetwork architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data storage and authentication protocol that works across different machine types (mixing, extrusion, molding, etc.). Each machine implements the same blockchain node functionality, allowing them to interoperate without complex point-to-point communication protocols, thereby scaling the network without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3540665B1Machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products and production system comprising the machine
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 ALI SPA CARPIGIANI GRP
  • EP3540665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine (1) for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprises: a first processing container (2) for processing a liquid or semi-liquid base product and defining a processing chamber (3); a stirrer (4) mounted inside the first processing container (2); a thermal system (5) comprising a heat exchanger (6), associated with the first processing container (2); a processing and control unit (7), comprising a module (8) for receiving and transmitting data, a processing module (9) and a memory (10) containing processing software instructions which can be carried out by the processing module (9), the processing and control unit (7) defining a storage node of a distributed architecture database (DB).