Sourdough Fermenter Level Sensor and Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sourdough fermenters face difficulties in easily modifying the minimum quantity of sourdough to be maintained in the tank, leading to laborious and complex cleaning processes, as well as limited adjustability and maintenance issues with angular evacuation tubes.
Innovation Solution
A fermenter equipped with a non-contact level sensor, such as a radar, ultrasound, or optical sensor, to measure the sourdough level, and a control device allowing manual input of a minimum value, automatically triggering alarms or closing valves to maintain the desired quantity, ensuring efficient and easy adjustment of the sourdough level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved drain tube with angular adjustment is used to modify the minimum quantity of starter, then the minimum quantity can be adjusted, but the cleaning becomes laborious and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the drain tube system by introducing a separate level sensor. This allows the drain tube to be a simple, easily cleanable component while the adjustable minimum quantity function is handled by the sensor and control system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical angular adjustment system with an automated control system using a level sensor and valve. The sensor detectsthe liquid level and the control system automatically regulates the minimum quantity, eliminating the need for manual angular adjustment and making the system both more adaptable and easier to maintain
2Adaptability or versatility
If angular adjustment of drain tube is used to modify minimum quantity, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to technician requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor and automated control system enable the fermenter to self-regulate the minimum starter quantity without requiring technician intervention for angular adjustments. The system automatically detects the liquid level and controls the valve, making the device both adaptable and simple to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical angular adjustment mechanism with an automated sensor-based control system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation and technical expertise, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving adaptability
3Device complexity
If the drain tube length is limited, then the minimum quantity of starter is constrained, but the device simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the quantity regulation function from the drain tube's physical dimensions and relocates it to a control system with a level sensor and valve. This allows the drain tube to remain simple while the minimum starter quantity can be adjusted across a wide range through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control through the level sensor and valve system, allowing the minimum starter quantity to be adjusted as needed rather than being fixed by the static drain tube length. This enables the system to adapt to different production requirements while maintaining physical simplicity
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
Facilitates easy modification and maintenance of the sourdough quantity, reducing labor and complexity, while ensuring a consistent minimum level for continuous production, thereby improving the efficiency and automation of sourdough preparation.
Implementation Method 1
the level sensor includes a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
the level sensor includes a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
the level sensor includes a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical sensor
Implementation Method 4
the initial volume of the mixture is subjected to fermentation, thus increasing the volume of liquid sourdough starter in the vat
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A sourdough starter fermenter with a tank (2) for preparing liquid sourdough starter, including a sensor for measuring the quantity of the mixture in the tank (2). The fermenter (1) includes a control device that stores a minimum value for the quantity of the mixture (16) in the tank (2). The control device (6) is adapted to receive a quantity value measured by the sensor and to compare this measured quantity value with the stored minimum value. An alarm is generated when the measured quantity value is equal to or less than the stored minimum value.