Reversible Shaft Noodle Maker Reduces Dough Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home noodle makers face issues with dough residue due to single-direction rotation during extrusion, leading to sticking and incomplete extrusion, and inefficient energy use due to timer-controlled operations that continue beyond necessary times.
Innovation Solution
The noodle maker employs a dual-direction rotation mechanism with reversible shaft movements to dislodge stuck dough and a smart shutdown system that detects load changes to stop the process early when extrusion is complete, along with an hourglass-shaped extrusion die to reduce surface blurs and a worm wheel-based driving system for reduced noise and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-direction rotation is used during extrusion, then the extrusion process is simple, but dough residue accumulates and sticks to the chamber walls
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation shaft performs periodic bidirectional rotation during extrusion, alternating between forward and reverse directions. This periodic reversal prevents dough from adhering to chamber walls by continuously changing the flow direction, thereby eliminating residue accumulation while maintaining simple operational control.
2Extent of automation
If timer-controlled operation is used, then the operation process is automated, but energy is wasted when extrusion is already complete
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects whether extrusion is complete by monitoring the presence of dough at the die outlet. This feedback signal is transmitted to the controller, which automatically stops the rotation shaft and heating element when extrusion finishes, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining full automation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional extrusion die is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but surface blurs appear on the noodles
Solution Approach 1:
The extrusion die features a curved, rounded outlet edge instead of a sharp corner. This curved geometry prevents dough from adhering at the corner during extrusion, eliminating surface blurs on the noodles while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standard molding processes.
4Force
If high-power driving system is used, then the extrusion force is sufficient, but operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving system uses a worm wheel mechanism that converts high-speed motor rotation into high-torque, low-speed rotation. This dynamic mechanical advantage provides sufficient extrusion force while the inherent friction and gear design of the worm wheel reduce operational noise compared to direct high-power motor drive.
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 approach reduces dough residue, shortens production time, saves energy, and improves noodle quality by minimizing surface blurs and operational noise while extending appliance lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a worm wheel-based driving system for reduced noise and cost
Implementation Method 2
an hourglass-shaped extrusion die to reduce surface blurs
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for preparing extrudable food products, comprising a working chamber (31) capable of housing ingredients in operation of the device (1); an extrusion die (120); a rotation shaft (32) configured for stirring the ingredients and extruding the food products through the extrusion die (120); and a driving system (64) by which the rotation shaft (32) is driven; wherein the driving system (64) is configured to separate the extrusion by at least one time period during which the rotation shaft rotates in a first direction which is opposite to a second direction in which the rotation shaft (32) rotates to extrude the food products. Therefore build-ups inside the working chamber (31) can be possibly removed by the sticky dough hit/lifted by the stirring bars (321) on the rotation shaft (32) when the rotation shaft (32) rotates reversely.