Multi-Portion Recipe Data Flow for Flexible Processing Manifolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems are static and limited in their ability to generate a variety of products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software components to produce different products, making them inflexible and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that monitor and store data from one portion of a multi-portion recipe, enabling the availability of this data for subsequent processes, allowing for the execution of different recipes within various manifolds, such as mixing, blending, or heating, to produce a range of products without extensive reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the processing system is configured to produce a specific product, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the adaptability to produce different products deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct production precisionVSAvoidproduct variety capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically reconfigures its processing pathways by selectively activating different manifolds and process sequences based on the desired product. The controller adjusts process parameters, ingredient combinations, and processing steps in real-time, transforming the system from a static configuration to a dynamic one that can adapt to multiple product types while maintaining manufacturing precision for each specific product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. Different manifolds (mixing, heating, cooling, etc.) can be combined in various sequences to produce different products, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to serve multiple product types without requiring dedicated equipment for each product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the processing system is reconfigured to produce different products, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and reconfiguration effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct variety capabilityVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is segmented into discrete, modular manifolds (mixing manifold, heating manifold, cooling manifold, etc.), each with specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to reconfigure by selectively activating different segments in different sequences, reducing the complexity of overall reconfiguration compared to redesigning the entire system for each new product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining multiple process sequences and manifold combinations that can be selected based on the desired product. Rather than reconfiguring components in real-time, the system has pre-established pathways and parameters ready to be activated, reducing the complexity and time required for product transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive modifications are made to mechanical and electrical components to produce different products, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity during reconfiguration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct variety capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic control to switch between product configurations without physical reassembly. The controller selectively activates different manifolds and adjusts process parameters electronically, enabling rapid product transitions without the time-consuming mechanical modifications that would be required in a static system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms with electronic and software-based control. Instead of physically adding or removing components to change products, the system uses digital control signals to reconfigure process pathways, eliminating the time loss associated with mechanical reassembly and modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If new components are added to accomplish new tasks, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenew task capabilityVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal manifolds and components that can perform multiple tasks depending on how they are activated and combined. For example, the same heating manifold can be used in different process sequences for different products, eliminating the need to add dedicated heating components for each new product task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple functions into shared components and manifolds. By combining mixing, heating, cooling, and other processing functions into a integrated network of manifolds that can be selectively activated, the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing the number of discrete components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20220399094A1Processing System and Method
Publication Date: 2022.12.15 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • US20220399094A1 patent drawing
  • US20220399094A1 patent drawing
  • US20220399094A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and computer program product for monitoring one or more processes occurring during a first portion of a multi-portion recipe being executed on a processing device to obtain data concerning at least of portion of the one or more processes. At least a portion of the data is stored. The availability of the at least a portion of the data is enabled to one or more processes occurring during a second portion of the multi-portion recipe.