Inclined Chocolate Conching Device with Interchangeable Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chocolate production requires specialized equipment for conching, limiting versatility in processing other food products, and existing universal machines are not suitable for producing chocolate or other chocolate-based products without significant modifications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cylindrical container having an inclined bottom and rotatable stirring arms, equipped with a high-speed conching tool that rotates faster than the stirring arms, allowing for efficient heating and liquefaction of chocolate mass, and can be easily converted to process other foods by replacing the conching tool with a knife or other tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specialized conching equipment is used for chocolate production, then chocolate processing quality is improved, but device versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a conching device that can process both chocolate and other food products. The device includes a container with an inclined bottom and interchangeable stirring means (stirring arms and conching tools) that can be adapted for different materials. This allows the same equipment to perform chocolate conching while also being convertible for processing other foods, thereby achieving multi-functionality without sacrificing processing quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal machines are used for processing various foods, then device versatility is improved, but chocolate processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and interchangeable stirring means including stirring arms and conching tools. These components can be dynamically configured or replaced depending on the processing requirements. The device maintains chocolate processing capability through specialized conching tools that can be installed when chocolate processing is needed, while allowing flexibility for other food products when those tools are removed or replaced.
3Productivity
If high-speed conching tool is used, then processing speed is improved, but energy input increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the inclined bottom of the container to alter the flow dynamics of the chocolate mass. The inclination angle is optimized to enhance natural convection and material circulation, reducing the energy required for processing. This geometric parameter modification allows the high-speed conching tool to operate more efficiently, achieving high productivity with reduced energy input compared to conventional horizontal conching systems.
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
Enables efficient processing and treatment of chocolate and other food products using universal machines, allowing for the production of various food and beverages without the need for specialized equipment, while maintaining control over temperature and flavor development.
Implementation Method 1
the fine-crumbled rolling stock is continuously circulated in large conches, whereby frictional heat is generated and additional heating takes place, such that the contained cocoa butter begins to melt
Implementation Method 2
The high-speed conching tool, which runs opposite the stirring arm, ensures fast and high input of friction and shearing energy and thus heating and liquefaction (melting) of the chocolate mass
Implementation Method 3
The product or chocolate mass or parts thereof are raised above each stirring arm and drop back into the residual mass due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device (1) for processing and treating chocolate, with a container (2) and stirring means (3) arranged therein, wherein the container (2) has a processing interior (2a) with a cylindrical wall (4) and an outwardly curved bottom (5) and is set up obliquely, i.e., the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical wall (4) is inclined with respect to the vertical, and wherein the stirring means (3) comprises at least one stirring arm (7), which is rotatable about this center axis (ZA), while projecting from the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical container (4) at least also in the radial direction, and a conching tool (6), which is rotatably arranged at or near the bottom (5) or the lowest vertical point of the container (2) about a an axis of rotation (DA), and wherein the conching tool (6) rotates faster than the stirring arm (7) during operation. In a method according to the invention for processing and treating chocolate, it is provided that a starting mass or an intermediate product of chocolate is filled in an inclined cylindrical container (2) and rotating therein along with at least one stirring arm (7), which rotates about this center axis (ZA), while projecting from the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical container (2) at least also in the radial direction, as well as processed simultaneously by means of a rotatable conching tool (6), which rotates faster than the at least one stirring arm (7) about an axis of rotation (DA), which is inclined relative to the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical container (2). Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of a universal machine for processing and treating nutritional and food products, processing and treating chocolate, wherein the universal machine comprises a container (2) and stirring means (3) arranged therein, and wherein the container (2) has a processing interior (2a) with a cylindrical wall (4) and an outwardly curved bottom (5), and arranged obliquely, i.e. the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical wall (4) is inclined with respect to the vertical, and wherein the stirring means (3) comprise at least one stirring arm (7), which is rotatable about the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical wall (4), while projecting from the center axis (ZA) of the cylindrical container (2) at least also in the radial direction, and wherein it is further provided that the stirring means (3) comprise a conching tool (6) rotatably arranged at or near the bottom (5) of the container (2), in particular at or near the lowest point of the container (2) with respect to the vertical, and rotating faster than the stirring arm (7) during operation.