Disposable Paper Insert for Hygienic Dough Proofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing proofing trays with inserts face hygiene issues due to mold growth despite cleaning efforts, and the manual and complex process of inserting and removing fabric-based inserts complicates automation and hygiene maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A proofing tray with a disposable, air-permeable, absorbent, and wet-strength paper insert that lies loosely on the tray, allowing for easy and automated loading, with an optional adhesive coating for stability, ensuring hygiene and simplifying the insertion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If fabric-based inserts are used in proofing trays, then the inserts can be reused multiple times, but mold growth occurs on the inserts despite cleaning efforts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert reuse durationVSAvoidmold growth on insert
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by using paper inserts that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the mold growth problem entirely because the insert is never reused, while still providing the necessary function for dough proofing. The paper insert is inexpensive enough that single-use is economically viable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from fabric to paper, which fundamentally alters the properties. Paper does not support mold growth in the same way fabric does, and its specific properties (air-permeability, absorbency, wet-strength) are optimized for the proofing function while preventing the harmful effects associated with reusable fabric inserts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If fabric inserts are manually inserted and positioned in proofing trays, then the inserts can be secured in place, but the process becomes complex and difficult to automate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert positioning stabilityVSAvoidinsert insertion process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable paper insert simplifies the positioning process because it does not require complex securing mechanisms. The insert can be easily placed and will remain sufficiently stable during the proofing process without needing clips, rods, or other fixation devices that would complicate automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The paper insert is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing through its material properties. It lies flat on the tray bottom and remains in place through its own structural characteristics rather than requiring external fixation systems, enabling simple automated loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If reusable fabric inserts are used in proofing trays, then the inserts can be cleaned and reused, but hygiene standards cannot be maintained over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert usage durationVSAvoidhygiene standard maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the hygiene reliability problem by eliminating the need for reuse entirely. Each proofing cycle uses a fresh paper insert that is discarded afterward, guaranteeing that hygiene standards are maintained without exception. This is more reliable than any cleaning process for reusable inserts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If complex insertion mechanisms are used to secure fabric inserts, then the inserts remain stable during proofing, but automation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert stability during proofingVSAvoidinsert insertion and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable paper insert eliminates the need for complex securing mechanisms. The insert achieves sufficient stability through its material properties and simple placement, allowing for rapid automated insertion and removal without time-consuming fixation or unfixation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 paper insert provides a hygienic solution by eliminating mold growth risks and simplifying the loading process, enabling automated operation while maintaining high hygiene standards through single-use disposable inserts.

Implementation Method 1

the paper being air-permeable, absorbent and wet-strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the paper being air-permeable, absorbent and wet-strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2002723B1Carrier to rise dough products with insert and method for placing an insert in such a carrier
Publication Date: 2011.05.11 CIC CONCEPT IND CONSULT
  • EP2002723B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The digestate carrier (1) has a base. An insert (5) inserted in the digestate carrier is loosely supported on the base for receiving the digestate on the insert, where the insert consists of paper and is disposable article. The paper is air-permeable, absorbent, wet strength, a crepe paper and the paper grocery is harmless. The specific weight of the insert is 30-100 gram per square meter, preferably 50-80, particularly 60-70 gram per square meter. An independent claim is also included for a method for loading a digestate carrier for fermenting dough products with an insert, which involves supplying a digestate carrier, removing an insert made of air-permeable and absorbent of a pile of stacked inserts or cutting an insert of a paper roll, and inserting the insert into the digestate carrier.