Kneading Device Hopper Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kneading devices struggle to maintain the optimal temperature of raw powders, such as wheat flour, within the 20° C. to 25° C. range, leading to instability in preparing high-quality dough due to temperature fluctuations with ambient changes.
Innovation Solution
A kneading device equipped with a hopper that includes a stirring device and a temperature-controlled air supply system, where the stirring device features a rotatable shaft with a stirrer that swirls the raw powder, and the air supply system ensures uniform heating or cooling by controlling the temperature of the air introduced into the hopper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the hopper stores raw powder without temperature control, then the device structure remains simple, but the raw powder temperature cannot be maintained within the optimal range (20°C to 25°C) due to ambient temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is divided into multiple functional zones: an upper storage section, a middle temperature control section with air supply openings and discharge openings, and a lower discharge section. The stirring device is segmented into multiple stirrers positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows temperature control to be applied specifically where needed without complicating the entire hopper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature-controlled air is introduced as an intermediary substance to regulate the raw powder temperature. The air supply device supplies temperature-controlled air through air supply openings, and the air discharge device removes excess air through discharge openings. This intermediary approach allows temperature control without direct contact heating or cooling mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stirring device uses a simple single stirrer configuration, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature uniformity of the raw powder cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring device incorporates multiple stirrers (first stirrer, second stirrer, etc.) positioned at different vertical levels within the hopper. Each stirrer has blades configured to agitate the raw powder in its specific zone. This segmentation ensures that raw powder at different heights is uniformly mixed and exposed to temperature-controlled air, achieving temperature uniformity without requiring an overly complex single-mechanism solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirrers are arranged vertically at different heights, adding a vertical dimension to the stirring action. The blades of each stirrer extend radially outward, creating three-dimensional agitation patterns. This multi-dimensional stirring approach ensures thorough mixing and uniform temperature distribution throughout the raw powder mass.
3Measurement precision
If temperature-controlled air is supplied without a discharge mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but the temperature control precision deteriorates due to accumulated air and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The air control system is segmented into distinct air supply openings and air discharge openings positioned at different locations within the hopper. The air supply device supplies temperature-controlled air through dedicated supply openings, while the air discharge device removes excess air through separate discharge openings. This segmentation allows independent optimization of air supply and discharge functions, achieving precise temperature control without requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature-controlled air serves as an intermediary medium for heat transfer. The air supply device introduces this controlled air to regulate raw powder temperature, while the air discharge device removes the air after it has performed its temperature regulation function. This intermediary approach enables precise temperature control through a relatively simple air handling system compared to direct heating or cooling mechanisms.
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 allows for efficient and stable temperature control of the raw powder, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature range before kneading, thereby consistently producing high-quality dough.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature-controlled air supply device that supplies temperature-controlled air into the hopper body
Implementation Method 2
the hopper includes a stirring device that stirs the raw powder in the hopper body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a kneading device including a hopper having a hopper body that stores raw powder, and a mixer that kneads material to be kneaded, which contains the raw powder, wherein the hopper includes a stirring device that stirs the raw powder in the hopper body, and a temperature-controlled air supply device 6 that supplies temperature-controlled air into the hopper body. This kneading device can stably prepare high-quality kneaded dough.