Multistage Noodle Steaming Machine with Upper-Stage Steam Application

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multistage steaming machines for noodle strings do not efficiently utilize steam, leading to energy wastage and inefficiencies in the steam-boiling process.

Innovation Solution

A multistage steaming machine design where steam pipes are positioned at the upper stage of the steam chamber, with conveyors configured to allow noodle strings to go and return multiple times, reducing the volume of steam-filled space and minimizing leakage by optimizing the inlet and outlet positions of the steam chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If steam is applied at lower stages of the steaming machine, then the steam chamber volume is larger, but steam utilization efficiency is lower and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsteam chamber volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies steam at the upper stage of the steaming machine rather than at lower stages, utilizing the vertical dimension of the steam chamber. This dimensional change in steam application location allows the steam to naturally descend and contact the noodle strings during their conveyance, improving steam utilization efficiency while reducing the required steam chamber volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system is configured to move noodle strings upward first before they are exposed to steam at the upper stage. This preliminary upward conveyance positions the noodle strings optimally for steam contact, ensuring efficient steam utilization from the beginning of the steaming process and preventing energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the steam chamber volume is reduced, then energy efficiency improves, but the space for steam-noodle contact may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsteam-noodle contact space

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is designed to make noodle strings go and return multiple times through the steam chamber, ensuring continuous exposure to steam. This continuous cyclic motion maintains effective steam-noodle contact throughout the steaming process, allowing the use of a compact steam chamber volume while preserving adequate contact space through repeated passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic conveyor system that actively moves noodle strings through the steam chamber in a cyclic manner rather than using a static arrangement. This dynamic approach ensures that noodle strings continuously pass through the steam contact zone, maintaining sufficient interaction space within a reduced chamber volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conveyors are configured for multiple go-and-return passages, then steam utilization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconveyor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports noodle strings through the steaming process, positions them for optimal steam contact at upper stages, and enables repeated exposure cycles. This multi-functionality achieves high steam utilization efficiency without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design enhances steam utilization efficiency, reducing energy consumption and waste by ensuring that steam is effectively applied to noodle strings throughout their journey, thereby improving the steam-boiling process.

Implementation Method 1

one or a plurality of steam pipes configured to apply steam to the group of noodle strings conveyed by the one or a plurality of conveyors at the upper stage in the steam chamber main body portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

steam-boiled by steam introduced into the steaming machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10548426B2Multistage steaming machine

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO LTD

AI summary

A multistage steaming machine is provided with a conveyor arranged at multiple stages such that a group of noodle strings carried in a steam chamber main body portion goes and returns plural times along a first direction to be conveyed from an upper stage to a lower stage in the steam chamber main body portion. Further, in the multistage steaming machine, a steam pipe applies steam to the group of noodle strings conveyed at an upper stage portion of the steam chamber main body portion, and the group of noodle strings is conveyed to the lower stage.