Method and apparatus for making foodstuffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamale-making machines are bulky, expensive, and lack the hand-made feel and taste of traditional methods, while tortilla presses are poorly suited for tamale preparation.
Innovation Solution
A tamale press with a base and hinged top portion that applies pressure to shape masa, allowing for efficient production of 75-100 tamales per hour without the limitations of tortilla presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hand pressing method is used, then hand-made feel and taste are preserved, but productivity is low (30-50 tamales per hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pressing function into a dedicated cavity and protruding section, separating it from the handling components. This allows the masa to be pressed in a controlled manner while maintaining simplicity of operation and enabling faster production compared to traditional hand pressing.
2Device complexity
If tortilla press is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and suitability for tamales are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing surface features a cavity with specific dimensions and a protruding section that matches the cavity, creating a localized pressing zone optimized for tamale formation. This localized quality ensures proper shaping and compression of the masa while maintaining overall device simplicity.
3Productivity
If commercial tamale rolling machines are used, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential pressing function from complex commercial machines, creating a standalone pressing device that can be used independently in the tamale-making process. This extracted function maintains productivity benefits while eliminating unnecessary complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing device is designed to be universally applicable to different masa compositions and tamale styles. The simple cavity and protruding section design can accommodate various filling types and masa consistencies, making it a versatile tool that replaces multiple specialized functions.
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
Enables high-volume tamale production with a hand-made feel, overcoming the inefficiencies of existing machines and tortilla presses.
Implementation Method 1
A tamale press with a base and hinged top portion that applies pressure to shape masa
Data Source
AI summary
The present system provides a tamale press that is simple to operate and allows a person to make 75-100 tamales per hour. The device is designed to be used to make tamales and avoids the disadvantages of a tortilla press. The device comprises a base with a cavity for receiving a portion of masa to be pressed. A top portion is hingedly coupled to the base and includes a protruding section that approximately matches the dimensions of the cavity in the base. The top portion is closed and a pivoting handle is used to apply pressure to the device, causing the protruding section to press and spread the masa to the borders of the cavity in the base. When the handle and top are lifted, the formed tamale is removed and the next tamale can be produced.