Food Processing Machine Wireless Control Hygiene

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products pose hygiene and food safety risks due to the need for operators to physically interact with push-button panels, increasing the risk of contamination and exposure to bacteria.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a processing and control unit that allows remote operation using a single control for switching on/off and other functions, incorporating detection devices for operator authentication and health monitoring, minimizing direct contact and enhancing hygiene and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push-button panel is positioned on the machine frame for operator control, then the machine can be operated and adjusted, but the operator must stay close to the machine for extended periods, increasing hygiene and food safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine control accessibilityVSAvoidhygiene and food safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A remote control device is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the machine. The remote control communicates wirelessly with the machine's control unit, allowing operators to control machine functions from a distance without direct contact with the machine frame or processing areas, thereby eliminating hygiene and food safety risks while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical push-button panel system is replaced with a wireless electronic control system. The remote control device transmits commands wirelessly to the machine's control unit, eliminating the need for physical proximity to the machine's control interface and reducing contamination risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a push-button panel is positioned on the machine frame, then operators can adjust operating parameters, but the panel becomes a vehicle for bacteria and dirt due to use by multiple operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control capabilityVSAvoidbacterial and dirt contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between operators and the machine's control system. Operators can adjust operating parameters and control machine functions from a distance, preventing the machine's control interface from becoming a contamination vector while preserving full operational adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is extracted from the machine frame and relocated to a separate remote control device. This separation removes the control panel from the potential contamination zone, eliminating its role as a vehicle for bacteria and dirt while maintaining all necessary control functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If operators must stay close to the machine for extended periods to control and monitor it, then operational adjustments can be made, but food safety risks increase especially for operators with poor health

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational control and monitoringVSAvoidfood safety assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device acts as an intermediary that enables operators to control and monitor the machine from a distance. This eliminates the requirement for prolonged close proximity, allowing operators with health concerns to safely operate the machine while maintaining full operational control and monitoring capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interaction is moved from the spatial dimension of physical proximity to the wireless communication dimension. Operators can control and monitor the machine through wireless signals from a distance, transforming the operational paradigm from close-contact monitoring to remote digital monitoring, thereby ensuring food safety while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12167737B2Machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 ALI SPA CARPIGIANI GRP

AI summary

Described is a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, including a first container for processing a liquid or semi-liquid base product defining a processing chamber and a stirrer for mixing the product of the first processing container. The machine also includes a plurality of detection devices designed to detect a quantity or an operating parameter of said machine and to generate a signal representative of the quantity or of the operating parameter. The machine includes a processing and control unit configured to receive the representative signals and to derive an operating condition of the machine based on the signals. The machine also includes a user interface connected to the processing and control unit and comprising a single control operable by an operator to selectively perform power on and power off of the machine.