Portioned Malleable Mass Ejection Using a Pneumatic Separation Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying preformed portioned malleable masses, such as minced meat, suffer from residual mass on the piston leading to contamination and shape distortion due to sticking, which can cause device malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hollow space, a movable piston, a closable exit opening, and a pressure medium (like air) is used to form and eject the mass, ensuring the piston remains clean and the shape is maintained by creating a pressurized cavity that prevents the mass from adhering to the piston.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If compressed air is used to assist release through the piston head, then mass clogging is reduced, but mass remains on the piston causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass releaseVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressed air source and the hollow space. The valve controls the timing and location where compressed air is applied, directing it to create a separation barrier between the mass and piston without allowing mass to contact the piston surface, thereby preventing contamination while facilitating release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Compressed air is utilized to create a pressurized cavity between the piston and the malleable mass. This pneumatic pressure forms a separation barrier that prevents the mass from adhering to the piston, enabling complete release without mechanical contact and eliminating contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Volume of stationary object

If the piston is positioned close to the mass supply channel, then space utilization is improved, but mass may stick to the piston causing shape distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehollow space utilizationVSAvoidmass shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The valve acts as a mediator that controls the introduction of compressed air to create a protective barrier. This barrier prevents direct contact between the mass and piston, eliminating sticking and shape distortion while allowing the piston to be positioned close to the mass supply channel for optimal space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter by introducing compressed air into the hollow space. This pressure change creates a separation force that prevents the mass from adhering to the piston, maintaining the mass shape even when the piston is in close proximity to the mass supply channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the piston is form-fitting with the hollow space wall, then complete mass release is achieved, but mass may contaminate the piston surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass release completenessVSAvoidpiston contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve introduces compressed air as an intermediary that creates a non-contact separation barrier. This allows the piston to maintain a form-fitting design for complete mass release while the compressed air barrier prevents any mass contact with the piston surface, eliminating contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct mechanical contact between the mass and piston with a pneumatic field (compressed air). This substitution allows the form-fitting piston to achieve complete release without mechanical adhesion, preventing contamination while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures complete release of the malleable mass without contamination, maintaining the desired shape and preventing device malfunction.

Implementation Method 1

a supply channel for a medium, such as air, under pressure, in particular leading through the piston to a side of the piston facing the exit opening, for bringing the hollow space under medium pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12616212B2Method and device for applying a preformed portioned malleable mass

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 RADIE

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for applying a preformed portioned malleable mass, comprising:a hollow space, provided with at least one closable exit opening;a piston that can be moved back and forth in at least a part of the hollow space with at least a directional component from and to the at least one closable exit opening and preferably in a direction directed from and towards the at least one closable exit opening, which piston is movable is between at least:a retracted position in which the part of the space is released by the piston; andan ejected position in which the part of the space is fully occupied;a mass supply channel for the malleable mass exit opening onto the part of the space that is released in the retracted position of the piston;a valve for the closable exit opening which is movable between a position closing the exit opening and a position releasing the exit opening; anda supply channel for a medium, such as air, under pressure, leading through the piston to a side of the piston facing the exit opening, for bringing the hollow space under medium pressure.