Modular Food Display Counter for Small-Batch On-Demand Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display counters for liquid and semi-liquid food products, such as ice cream and bakery items, lack the ability to quickly produce small quantities on demand, are not versatile in terms of product quantity and variability, have high investment costs, and do not optimize available space effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular display counter system that allows for customizable configurations of processing positions, enabling flexible production volumes and space optimization, with interchangeable modules that can be connected in various shapes and sizes, equipped with thermal systems, stirrers, and motors for efficient processing and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a display counter is designed to produce small quantities of products on demand, then productivity for small batches is improved, but device complexity increases due to modular configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The display counter is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of processing small quantities of products. This segmentation allows the system to be configured according to specific production needs, enabling quick production of small batches while managing complexity through standardized module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture allows dynamic reconfiguration of the display counter by adding, removing, or rearranging modules based on production requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize productivity for small quantities without permanent complexity increases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display counter is made versatile to handle various product quantities and types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is designed with universal functionality to handle different product types and quantities. The standardized interface and configuration system allow the same module to serve multiple purposes, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves versatility by allowing parameter changes in module configuration rather than requiring different hardware for each product type. Operators can adjust production parameters and module arrangements to accommodate various product quantities and varieties using the same modular platform.
3Area of stationary object
If the display counter uses modular design to optimize space, then area utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display counter into compact, standardized modules, the system optimizes space utilization through flexible arrangement. Modules can be configured to fit available space while maintaining functional integrity, achieving better area utilization without excessive complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows modules to be nested or stacked configurations, maximizing space utilization by vertically or horizontally arranging modules based on available space. This nesting capability improves area efficiency while the standardized connection methods keep assembly complexity manageable.
4Productivity
If the display counter is designed for quick production of small portions, then productivity is improved, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows investors to purchase only the number of modules needed for their specific production requirements. This segmentation enables quick production of small portions with a scaled investment, avoiding the need to purchase an entire large-capacity system that would sit underutilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic expansion by adding modules as production needs grow. Investors can start with a small configuration for quick small-portion production and gradually expand capacity, making the initial investment commensurate with current needs while maintaining productivity benefits.
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 modular design allows for efficient production of small quantities of food products on demand, optimizes investment costs, and adapts to different space requirements, enhancing operational flexibility and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The display counter 1 is designed to itself make and store ice cream or bakery and confectionery or catering products for a predetermined length of time. Products of the ice cream, bakery and confectionery or catering trade means products such as ice creams... The module 2 also comprises a thermal system 8... configured to cool the at least one food product in the at least one processing container 12
Implementation Method 2
The module 2 also comprises at least one stirrer 14, configured to mix the at least one food product in the at least one processing container 12
Data Source
AI summary
A display counter for making and keeping liquid or semi-liquid food products is characterized in that it is made up of a plurality of modules, each defining at least one product processing position and adapted to be connectable to each other in a plurality of configurations and combinations so that the display counter can adopt a plurality of operational compositions.