Measuring system for foodstuffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foodstuff quality measuring systems are complex, often deliver unreliable results, and require numerous measurements to determine shelf life and stability, especially with temperature changes, increasing the risk of errors and the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A flexible measuring system with a controlled heating and cooling system using a Peltier heat pump and phase-change material, allowing for automatic temperature control and simulation of real-life scenarios, combined with a sensor device for continuous monitoring of foodstuff properties without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation and reading of devices is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system automatically performs measurements, data recording, and analysis without requiring manual operation. The control unit autonomously controls the heating and cooling devices, triggers sensor measurements at appropriate times, records all measurement data, and performs statistical evaluations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human intervention errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. The control unit electronically manages the heating and cooling devices, sensor activation, and data processing, substituting human mechanical interaction with automated electronic control to improve reliability while managing complexity through integration.
2Measurement precision
If numerous measurements are performed to ensure statistical reliability, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system performs continuous automated measurements throughout the entire storage period without interruption. The control unit continuously monitors temperature, automatically triggers sensor measurements at predetermined time intervals, and records data continuously, eliminating idle time between measurements and maximizing data collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-plans the measurement schedule and automatically executes measurements at predetermined time points without requiring real-time human decision-making. The control unit is programmed with the measurement protocol in advance, automatically triggering measurements at appropriate intervals to ensure statistical reliability without manual intervention delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating and cooling devices are used to simulate practical temperature changes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the heating device, controls the cooling device, monitors temperature via the thermometer, triggers sensor measurements, records data, and performs evaluations. This multi-functionality allows the system to simulate various temperature profiles while consolidating control logic into a single unit, managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature conditions to simulate real-world storage scenarios. The control unit can implement various heating and cooling profiles, change temperature setpoints at different times, and adapt the measurement protocol to match the temperature history being simulated, making the system versatile for different storage condition scenarios.
4Productivity
If quick cooling is implemented to stop changes after temperature profiling, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is implemented in distinct phases: during the temperature profiling period, normal temperature variations are applied; after the profile is complete, a rapid cooling phase is activated to quickly lower the temperature and stop further changes. This periodic action pattern allows quick cooling when needed while maintaining simplicity through clear phase-based control logic.
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 accurate, continuous, and automatic measurement of foodstuff properties, reducing the risk of errors and allowing for precise determination of shelf life under various temperature conditions, including quick cooling to prevent further changes in the foodstuff.
Implementation Method 1
the cooler comprises a Peltier heat pump which is configured to cool the buffer holder with phase-transition material
Implementation Method 2
buffer holder with phase-transition material
Implementation Method 3
a heating and cooling device for cooling and/or heating the interior space
Implementation Method 4
an optical sensor arranged in the interior space and pointing towards the product container, wherein the optical sensor forms part of the sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for automatically determining and/or monitoring the quality of a liquid or viscous foodstuff comprises a housing (2) with an interior space for a product container (4) for such a foodstuff, a lid (5) provided with a probe with a thermometer (22), a heating and cooling device (6) for the interior space, a sensor device (24) for determining a quality-related parameter value of said foodstuff, not being the temperature, and a control unit (37). The cooling system comprises a cold buffer (11) with cooler (6) and refrigerant circuit (10) with pump (9). The cold buffer comprises a buffer holder with a phase-transition material (12). Such a measuring system is suitable for fully automatically, continuously, reliably, easily measuring properties such as the shelf life of foodstuffs in parallel in a plurality of product containers and under many different circumstances.