Spoke-Based Mixing Device for Ice Cream Overrun and Wall Scraping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for ice cream production often leave mixtures on the container walls, leading to non-homogeneous and insufficiently volumized products due to inadequate contact with cooled surfaces, resulting in low overrun and creaminess.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with two offset spokes, inclined to reduce material accumulation and increase rotation speed, incorporating air effectively, and featuring grooves and extensions to enhance air incorporation and mixture removal from container walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mixing devices with whip-like or helicoidal shapes are used, then mixing action is provided, but the mixture remains on the container walls without being properly mixed
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple mixing elements (spokes with lateral fins) distributed around the central axis, allowing different segments to perform specific functions: some elements contact the container walls to remove mixture, while others perform aerial mixing to incorporate air and homogenize the mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional planar mixing blades to three-dimensional spoke structures with lateral fins that extend radially outward. These fins can contact the container walls at an angle, enabling removal of mixture from the walls and transport it toward the center for further mixing, adding a radial dimension to the mixing action
2Device complexity
If the mixture is not removed from the walls of the container regularly, then the mixing process is simpler, but the part in contact with the cooled surface tends to freeze, giving a non-homogeneous mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating spoke structure continuously contacts the container walls throughout its rotation cycle, ensuring continuous removal of mixture from the walls. This continuous action prevents localized freezing and maintains homogeneous mixing throughout the entire mixing process, without requiring additional stopping or manual intervention
3Productivity
If traditional mixing devices are used, then mixing is provided, but the mixture is not sufficiently volumized
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating spoke structure creates periodic motion that alternates between scraping the container walls and lifting mixture into the air. This periodic action incorporates air into the mixture during the aerial phase, volumizing it and creating the desired creaminess and softness characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the mixture by incorporating air during the mixing process. The periodic aerial exposure allows air to be trapped and distributed throughout the mixture, fundamentally changing its density and texture parameters to achieve the desired overrun and creaminess
4Manufacturing precision
If the mixing device contacts the container walls to remove mixture, then homogeneity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke structure with lateral fins serves multiple functions simultaneously: it removes mixture from the container walls, transports it toward the center, incorporates air during rotation, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall device relatively simple despite its enhanced capabilities
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 device achieves efficient mixture homogenization, high overrun, and creamy consistency by ensuring effective contact with cooled surfaces and incorporating air, reducing freezing time and cycle duration.
Implementation Method 1
introducing into the substance as much air as possible so as to increase its volume and obtain a mixture with a homogeneous and creamy consistency
Implementation Method 2
configured to mix the mixture while it is cooled with a suitable cooling circuit, to incorporate air inside it and increase its volume
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A mixing device suitable to mix substances or liquid or semi-liquid mixtures to increase the volume thereof, comprising a hub (12) which develops along a central axis (X) and two mixing spokes (11) connected to the hub (12), wherein each of the spokes (11) comprises an external lateral fin (14) and two upper (15) and lower (16) connection segments, which connect respective upper and lower ends of the lateral fin (14) to the hub (12).