Food Processor Feedback Control for Consistent Cream Whipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors face challenges in determining optimal control parameters for preparation, such as agitator speed and stirring time, due to varying food properties and environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent results and high costs for sensors to account for multiple factors.
Innovation Solution
A method for a food processor that uses a monitoring device to detect and analyze chronological values during preparation, employing time-dependent analysis to determine analysis results, which allows for the output of control signals to optimize preparation without exact knowledge of food properties or environmental conditions, using techniques like histogram analysis and statistical methods for predicting completion times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pre-stored control parameter values are used based on food type, then preparation can be automated, but optimal preparation cannot be achieved due to varying food properties and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors preparation parameters (motor current, temperature, time) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust control parameters. The control unit compares actual preparation progress with target states and automatically modifies agitator speed and time to achieve optimal preparation results despite variations in food properties and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-stored control parameters to dynamic real-time adjustment. Control parameters such as agitator speed and preparation time are continuously adapted during the preparation process based on monitored detection values, allowing the system to respond to changing food consistency and preparation state.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors are used to account for food properties and environmental conditions, then optimal control parameters can be determined, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the food processor's existing motor current as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure food properties and preparation state. Instead of directly sensing food consistency with complex sensors, the system monitors the electrical load on the motor, which naturally varies with food resistance, providing preparation state information without additional sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing operational data (motor current, temperature, time) that is already generated during normal operation to determine optimal control parameters. The preparation process itself generates the information needed for control optimization, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a food processor (10), wherein in a preparation mode, at least one processing device (50) of the food processor (10) is controlled for at least partially automatically preparing food, and wherein a monitoring device (200) determines, at least during the preparation step, chronologically successive detection values (106), on the food processor (10), said values (106) being specific to at least one preparation parameter of the food processor (10).