Modular Vacuum Assembly for Food Processing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum production devices for food processing are integrated into specific machines, limiting their application to only those machines and not allowing for dynamic vacuum cooking across different machine configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly for vacuum production comprising a vacuum group with a pump, water tank, and lid system, connected via a flexible tube, which can be easily attached to various food processing machines, enabling dynamic vacuum cooking and independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum production devices are integrated into specific food processing machines, then the device can operate reliably with that machine, but the device cannot be applied to different machine configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum production device is divided into separate modular components: a vacuum pump unit, a control unit, and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and connected to different machine types through standardized interfaces, maintaining operational reliability while enabling adaptability across various food processing machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum device incorporates universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that enable it to be adapted to multiple different machine configurations. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows the same vacuum device to serve multiple functions across different food processing applications without requiring custom integration for each machine type.
2Ease of manufacture
If vacuum production devices are custom-integrated into specific machines, then the integration is optimized for that machine, but the construction and application become limited to that specific machine type
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum device incorporates adjustable parameters and configurable settings that can be optimized for different machine types. Connection interfaces, mounting configurations, and operational parameters can be modified to match specific machine requirements, maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular components while enabling adaptation to various machine configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular assembly with flexible tube connection is used, then the assembly can be applied to various machine configurations, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube serves as an intermediary element that connects the vacuum pump unit to the food processing machine. This intermediary component absorbs connection variations and misalignments, enabling adaptation to different machine configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall connection structure. The flexible tube acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of interfacing with various machine types.
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 vacuum cooking independent of machine type, allowing for efficient processing of food mixtures across different machine configurations, preserving flavors and nutrients while reducing cooking time and waste.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly for the production of vacuum which can be applied to a machine suitable for the treatment of food substances
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged inside said container and suitable for heating the food mixture
Implementation Method 3
a cooling element arranged inside said container and suitable for cooling the food mixture
Implementation Method 4
an armoured or spiral flexible tube suitable for operatively interconnecting said group and cover
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for the production of vacuum that can be applied to a machine (36) for the treatment of food substances, dynamically and simultaneously with the thermo-mechanical process, comprising, in combination: a group (11) for the production of vacuum, a flexible tube (13) operatively connected at one end to said group (11) for the production of vacuum and at the opposite end to a lid (12) suitable for being applied as a seal for the hermetic closure of a container (37) of said machine (36) for the treatment of food substances, in particular liquid mixtures contained within said container.