Food processing system with integrated weighing arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing systems face challenges in achieving precise and rapid weight measurement for small weights, particularly when adding small amounts of seasoning ingredients, due to complex constructions and intermediate structural means that hinder direct weight transmission to elongated weighing arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A food processing system with an elongated weighing arrangement that extends perpendicular to the force of gravity, comprising a single-piece structural member and weighing member, where the weighing member is a cutout within the structural member, providing direct support to the recipient and actuation arrangement, enhancing precision and responsiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional weighing devices with intermediate structural means are used, then construction is more complex, but weight measuring precision and responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measuring precisionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural support function and the weighing function into a single integrated weighing arrangement. The elongated weighing arrangement serves both as the structural support for the recipient and as the weighing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate intermediate structural means. This integration directly improves weight measuring precision by removing intermediate elements that could interfere with weight transmission, while simultaneously simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate structural means from the weighing system. By removing these intermediate elements that traditionally separated the load application point from the weighing mechanism, the invention achieves direct weight transmission from the recipient to the weighing arrangement, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If traditional weighing devices with intermediate structural means are used, then construction is more complex, but responsiveness to weight variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness to weight variationsVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of structural support and weighing functions into a single elongated weighing arrangement creates a direct mechanical connection between the recipient and the weighing mechanism. This eliminates intermediate structural means that would otherwise delay the transmission of weight variations, enabling rapid detection of even small changes in ingredient weight while maintaining construction simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If elongated weighing arrangements are used without direct structural connection, then construction is simpler, but weight transmission precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight transmission precisionVSAvoidconstruction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by designing the elongated weighing arrangement to simultaneously serve as both the structural connection element and the weighing mechanism. This dual-function design ensures direct weight transmission from the recipient to the weighing sensors along the entire length of the elongated structure, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining construction simplicity through functional integration rather than through complex separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If spaced apart bearing feet are used, then construction is simpler, but weight measuring precision for small weights deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measuring precision for small weightsVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bearing feet function with the elongated weighing arrangement into a unified structure. The weighing arrangement extends between the bearing feet and is directly connected to them, creating a continuous load path that efficiently transmits even small weight variations to the weighing sensors. This integration improves precision for small weights while avoiding the complexity of separate bearing feet and weighing mechanism components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration simplifies construction, improves weight measuring precision and responsiveness, especially for small weights, by eliminating intermediate structural means and ensuring direct weight transmission, resulting in enhanced measurement sensitivity and quicker response times.

Implementation Method 1

the load variations above are transmitted along direct structural arrangements, with no intermediate structural means, to substantially elongated weighing arrangements and respectively elongated weighing devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight transmission: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3317621B1Food processing system with integrated weighing arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 FLAMA - FAB DE LOUCAS E ELECTRODOMESTICOS
  • EP3317621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3317621B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3317621B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention refers to a food processing system (1) presenting a recipient (2) adapted for receiving food ingredients, and a driving arrangement (6) adapted for driving a tool support (7) provided inside of said recipient (7), and at least one weighing arrangement (3) adapted for weighing said food ingredients. In particular, said weighing arrangement (3) comprises an elongated structural member (31) and at least one weighing member (32) provided as a single piece that can be directly attached to said recipient (2) or to said driving arrangement (6) thereof.