Removable Lining Funnel for Dough Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Funnels used in dough lines face challenges with sticky dough causing pollution and caking, leading to labor-intensive and damaging on-site cleaning, and the risk of PTFE coatings detaching and contaminating food, necessitating a solution that addresses hygiene and operational downtime.
Innovation Solution
A funnel with a removable lining that matches the shape and size of the funnel walls, allowing for off-site cleaning and preventing pollution, featuring self-locking properties and handling points for easy replacement, made from materials like HMPE for durability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the funnel is cleaned regularly on-site using cleaning agents or hot water, then hygiene is maintained, but the cleaning process is labor-intensive and damages the funnel
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is divided into two separable parts: the funnel body and the removable lining. The lining can be detached and cleaned separately, allowing for easier maintenance without damaging the funnel body. This segmentation enables the lining to be removed, cleaned off-site, and replaced, reducing labor intensity and avoiding damage to the funnel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lining is extracted as a removable component from the funnel system. By taking out the lining that contacts the dough, cleaning operations can be performed off-site without affecting the funnel body. This extraction allows for more convenient cleaning methods and reduces the labor-intensive on-site cleaning process.
2Reliability
If the funnel is cleaned regularly, then hygiene is maintained, but operational downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel system is segmented into a permanent funnel body and a removable lining. This allows the lining to be cleaned or replaced while the funnel body remains in operation. Multiple linings can be prepared in advance, enabling quick replacement without stopping the entire dough line, thus maintaining hygiene while minimizing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple linings can be prepared and staged in advance before they are needed. When one lining becomes soiled, a clean replacement is already available, allowing for rapid substitution without waiting for cleaning operations. This preliminary preparation of spare linings eliminates downtime associated with cleaning during operation.
3Ease of operation
If PTFE coating is applied to the funnel, then caking is prevented and cleaning is facilitated, but the coating can come loose and contaminate the food
Solution Approach 1:
The lining is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded after a certain period or when soiled. Instead of relying on a permanent PTFE coating that may detach and contaminate food, the lining provides the necessary anti-caking properties during its service life and is then replaced, eliminating the contamination risk associated with coating degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lining acts as an intermediary between the dough and the funnel body. It provides the non-stick, anti-caking surface needed for easy handling and cleaning, while protecting the funnel body from direct contact with dough. The lining can be made from food-safe materials and replaced periodically, preventing contamination issues that arise with deteriorating PTFE coatings.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a funnel for dough or dough ingredients, comprising at least one funnel wall, extending from a receiving opening to a dispensing opening and comprising containing means for a removable lining, at least one removable lining, corresponding with the shape and area of said funnel wall and comprising positioning means for positioning the lining with respect to the funnel wall, wherein the positioning means are adapted for at least limiting a movement of the lining with respect to the funnel in a direction from the receiving opening toward the dispensing opening in at least one respective mutual orientation of the funnel wall and the lining.