Modular Shear Channel Protein Structuring for Continuous Food Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing plant-based meat substitutes are labor-intensive, limited to batch production, and produce homogeneous products with difficulty in cleaning and scalability, lacking flexibility in shape and composition.
Innovation Solution
A protein structuring module with detachable solid parts and grooves forming shear channels, allowing for modular, scalable, and easily cleanable production of structured protein substances with varied properties and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If detachable solid parts with grooves are used to form shear channels, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing chamber is divided into multiple detachable solid parts (first solid part, second solid part, third solid part) that can be separated from each other. Each part has grooves that form shear channels when assembled, allowing the protein constituent to be processed in multiple stages. This segmentation enables easy access to all surfaces for cleaning while maintaining the functional complexity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid parts are designed to nest within each other when assembled, with the second solid part positioned within the first solid part, and the third solid part within the second solid part. This nested configuration allows compact storage and easy disassembly for cleaning, as each component can be independently removed and accessed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solid parts are detachably connected to form shear channels, then scalability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple detachable solid parts that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each solid part contains grooves that form shear channels, and the modular design allows for easy scaling by adding or removing parts. The standardized connection interfaces between parts enable flexible configuration for different production scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid parts are designed with universal connection features and standardized groove configurations that can be used in various arrangements. The same basic solid part design can be replicated and combined in different numbers and configurations to meet different production requirements, making the system universally applicable and easily scalable.
3Productivity
If continuous production is implemented, then productivity is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is divided into multiple detachable solid parts that form a continuous processing path for the protein constituent. The material flows continuously through shear channels formed by the assembled parts, enabling continuous production. When cleaning is needed, the parts can be detached and cleaned individually without interrupting the overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable solid parts are designed with grooves and surfaces that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly before cleaning operations. The connection interfaces are prepared in advance to allow quick detachment, enabling rapid transition from continuous production mode to cleaning mode without complex procedures.
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 continuous, scalable, and flexible production of structured protein substances with customizable properties and shapes, overcoming limitations of existing methods by facilitating easy cleaning and adaptation to process changes.
Implementation Method 1
the protein structuring module is configured for establishing a shear stress in the protein constituent for unfolding and/or aligning molecules of the protein constituent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present document relates to a protein structuring module for a providing arrangement for manufacturing of a food product, using a protein constituent. The module establishes a shear stress for aligning molecules of the protein constituent, by including a first and a second solid part. The first solid parts are detachably connected to each other along their contact surfaces, and at least one of said contact surfaces includes a groove running across the surface. Together, as connected, the groove in the contact surfaces of the connected first and second solid parts define a shear channel of the cell having a first open end and a second open end. The open ends define an inlet and an outlet for conveying the structured protein substance.