Smart food processing apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing technologies fail to optimize the water holding capacity of dietary fibers in fluid food products, often destroying the fiber matrix when pulverizing ingredients, which affects the hydration properties and physiological benefits of dietary fiber.
Innovation Solution
A food processing apparatus equipped with a particle sensor and controller that monitors and controls the particle size of dietary fibers within the fluid food product, disengaging the motor when particle sizes reach a threshold of 400 µm to prevent matrix destruction, ensuring optimal water holding capacity while maintaining a desirable texture and taste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the motor continues to pulverize ingredients to achieve fine particle size, then the fluid food product becomes smoother, but the water holding capacity of dietary fiber decreases due to destruction of the fiber matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The particle sensor provides real-time feedback on particle size during processing, enabling the controller to monitor the pulverization process and automatically disengage the motor when the optimal particle size threshold is reached, preventing over-pulverization that would destroy the fiber matrix and reduce water holding capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (motor engagement) based on the detected particle size parameter. By establishing a threshold value for particle size, the system automatically adjusts the motor state from engaged to disengaged, optimizing the balance between achieving smooth texture and preserving fiber matrix integrity for water holding capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A food processing apparatus (10) for preparing a fluid food product is disclosed. The food processing apparatus comprises a food processing chamber (30) including a blade arrangement (32) driven by a motor (22); a particle sensor (26) arranged to measure an actual particle size within said fluid food product in said food processing chamber and a controller (60) arranged to control said motor. The controller is communicatively coupled to the particle sensor and is adapted to disengage said motor in response to a signal from the particle sensor indicative of the actual particle size reaching a threshold value of no less than 400 µm within said fluid food product. Also disclosed is a method of operating such a food processing apparatus.