Rotatable Mixing Member for Custard Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pasteurizing and cream-cooking machines have inefficient mixing members that fail to uniformly blend and cook pastry creams effectively, leading to uneven temperature distribution and prolonged cooking times.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable mixing member with a scraper tool and a mixer tool, where the scraper tool features ogival central hub, cantilever arms, and scraping spatulas to remove cream from the tank walls, and the mixer tool includes comb-shaped blades to uniformly mix ingredients, allowing for adjustable rotation speed and efficient heat distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional mixing member with a central hub and supporting arms is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mixing efficiency is low and temperature distribution is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing member is divided into multiple independent mixing elements (first mixing element, second mixing element, third mixing element) that can be separately positioned and adjusted. Each element has its own mixing blades arranged at different radial distances from the central axis, allowing independent optimization of mixing patterns for different regions of the container, thereby improving overall mixing efficiency without requiring a monolithic complex structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing elements are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis of the container, utilizing the radial dimension to create multiple mixing zones. The first mixing element operates closer to the wall, the second at an intermediate position, and the third near the center, creating a three-dimensional mixing pattern that ensures uniform temperature and concentration distribution throughout the viscous mixture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If the mixing member rotates at high speed to improve mixing efficiency, then mixing time is reduced, but energy consumption increases and viscous mixtures may not be handled effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing member allows for variable rotational speeds to be applied at different stages of the cooking process. During the initial heating phase, lower speeds are used to gently circulate the mixture and prevent scorching. As the mixture reaches the desired temperature and viscosity, higher speeds are employed to achieve rapid, uniform mixing and temperature distribution, thereby reducing total cooking time without excessive energy consumption throughout the entire process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing process employs periodic variations in rotational speed and direction. The mixing member alternates between forward and reverse rotation, and between different speed levels, creating periodic mixing actions that effectively handle viscous mixtures. This periodic action prevents the formation of dead zones and ensures thorough mixing without requiring continuously high energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If scraping spatulas are added to remove cream from tank walls, then mixing uniformity is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing uniformityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The scraping function is merged with the mixing function by integrating scraping elements directly onto the mixing member structure. The mixing blades themselves are designed to scrape the container walls during rotation, eliminating the need for separate scraping mechanisms. This integration maintains mixing uniformity by preventing cream accumulation on walls while simplifying the overall structure and reducing maintenance requirements compared to separate scraping systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables rapid, uniform mixing and blending of ingredients, reducing cooking time and simplifying maintenance, while also being versatile for handling different types of mixtures, including dense dough.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically-operated heating assembly which is housed inside the machine and is capable of bringing and maintaining the tank and the contents thereof to/at a temperature ranging between +50°C and +110°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an electrically-operated cooling assembly which is housed inside the machine and is capable of bringing and maintaining the tank and the contents thereof to/at a temperature ranging between 0°C and +10°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical refrigeration:

Implementation Method 3

an electric motor which is located beneath the processing tank and is adapted to drive the mixing member into rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3351113B1Rotatable mixing member for machines for cooking custard and machine for cooking custard provided with said mixing member
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 VALMAR GLOBAL VSE ZA SLADOLED D O O
  • EP3351113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3351113B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3351113B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A rotatable mixing member (1) for cream-cooking machines (100) adapted to be housed in axially rotatable manner inside the processing tank (103) of a cream-cooking machine (100) for production of pastry cream and the like, in order to mix the pastry cream or similar and simultaneously remove the layer of pastry cream or similar which sticks to/forms on the inner surface of the processing tank (103); the rotatable mixing member (1) being characterized in that it comprises: a scraper tool (2) which is adapted to be driven into rotation inside the processing tank (103) around a given rotation axis (A, R), and is structured so as to scrape the inner surface of the processing tank (103) to remove said layer of pastry cream or similar; and a mixer tool (3) which is discrete and distinct from said scraper tool (2), is fitted/engaged in detachable manner directly onto the scraper tool (2) in order to rotate together with the latter, and is structured so as to continuously mix the material present in the processing tank (103).