Interlocking Kibble Design for Pet Food Segregation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet foods with non-kibble inclusions, such as dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, suffer from uneven distribution due to density disparities between kibbles and inclusions, leading to segregation during transport and handling, which affects nutrition delivery and product aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The pet food product incorporates oil-coated inclusions to increase their density, making it closer to that of the kibbles, and features kibbles with curved edges that interlock to form a lattice-like barrier, preventing segregation and maintaining even distribution throughout the product's life cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kibbles are mixed with inclusions during processing, then the product offers varied nutrition and aesthetics, but the inclusions segregate from kibbles during transport and handling due to density differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of density by coating inclusions with oil, which increases their density to match that of kibbles. This parameter change prevents segregation during transport and handling while maintaining the nutritional and aesthetic benefits of inclusion variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces oil as an intermediary substance that coats the inclusions. This intermediary not only increases density but also binds inclusions to kibbles, preventing separation while preserving the functional properties of both components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If inclusions are dehydrated or freeze-dried to extend shelf life, then the product has longer duration, but the inclusions become crispy and fragile, leading to breakage and worsened segregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of inclusions by coating them with oil. This coating transforms the crispy, fragile texture into a more pliable and resilient state, reducing breakage during handling while maintaining extended shelf life from dehydration or freeze-drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the inclusion is coated with oil, combining the shelf-life-extending properties of dehydration/freeze-drying with the protective and plasticizing effects of oil coating, resulting in a material that is both durable and stable.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shaking is applied to remix segregated portions, then the distribution may be improved, but migration and separation increase during shaking and fragile pieces crumble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by coating inclusions with oil before packaging, which prevents segregation from occurring in the first place. This preemptive measure eliminates the need for corrective shaking and prevents breakage that would result from such shaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density parameter of inclusions through oil coating, creating a density match with kibbles that prevents segregation. This parameter change makes the mixture stable without requiring mechanical intervention like shaking, thereby preventing inclusion breakage.
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
The solution effectively maintains the even distribution of kibbles and inclusions despite handling and movement, ensuring consistent nutrition and aesthetics in every serving, with the oil-coated inclusions being more resistant to breakage and retaining color longer.
Implementation Method 1
each of the inclusions is coated with a pre-determined weight percentage of oil that increases the density of the coated-inclusions
Implementation Method 2
The kibble comprises at least one pocket formed by a curve of a predetermined radius at the edge of the kibbles. The shaped kibbles interlock one with another when adjacently placed to form a lattice-like barrier.
Data Source
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AI summary
Compositions and methods are disclosed for providing a pet food product comprising kibbles and one or more inclusions, such as dried fruits or vegetables. Specifically, the kibble may have one or more shapes to form an interlock, and/or the inclusions are oil-coated to provide for increased density and reduce the density differences between the inclusions and the kibbles, both features are useful for keeping an even distribution of kibbles and inclusions in a package or container.