Tempering Module with Permanently Connected Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature control modules for food tempering machines are complex and difficult to clean, with detachable parts that can lead to contamination and slow cleaning processes, posing hygiene risks during food processing.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control module with a permanently connected inner and outer tube assembly that eliminates detachable joints, allowing for easy cleaning and preventing contamination by ensuring all food contact is with the inner tube surface, and featuring separate temperature control channels for efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detachable joints and multiple individual parts are used in the temperature control module, then the structure allows for assembly and disassembly, but cleaning time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner tube and outer tube into a permanently connected one-piece assembly, eliminating detachable joints between these components. This integration allows the temperature control module to be cleaned as a single unit without disassembly, directly resolving the contradiction by combining parts that would otherwise require separate handling and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature control module into distinct functional zones: a food-contact zone (inner tube interior) and a non-food-contact zone (outer tube and connection flanges). This segmentation allows the food-contact surface to be cleaned independently and quickly, while the non-food-contact parts remain permanently attached but do not require the same level of cleaning, thus reducing overall cleaning time.
2Ease of operation
If detachable joints and connection flanges with tie rods are used, then the structure allows for assembly and disassembly, but joint gaps accumulate contaminants and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner tube and outer tube into a permanently connected assembly, eliminating the joint gaps that exist between detachable components. By permanently connecting these tubes, the design removes the crevices and gaps where contaminants could accumulate, directly addressing the hygiene problem while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tie rods and nuts from the design, replacing them with a permanently connected tube structure. This extraction eliminates the additional joints and connection points that would create contamination risks, simplifying the structure and improving hygiene by removing potential contaminant accumulation zones.
3Strength
If multiple individual parts with nuts and tie rods are used, then the structure provides mechanical connection, but the number of parts increases and cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual parts (inner tube, outer tube, connection flanges, tie rods, nuts) into a permanently connected assembly. This consolidation maintains the mechanical strength needed for the temperature control module while dramatically reducing the number of separate components, thereby simplifying the device and reducing cleaning complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detachable components are used for mass change, then different food masses can be processed, but cleaning and reassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning requirement into two parts: the food-contact inner tube surface that requires cleaning for mass changes, and the permanently attached outer tube and connection components that do not require cleaning. This segmentation allows for rapid cleaning of only the necessary surface, maintaining adaptability for different food masses while minimizing the time loss associated with cleaning and reassembly.
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 quick and hygienic cleaning, prevents contamination, and allows for faster food mass changes, ensuring high hygiene standards and efficient temperature control of food products.
Implementation Method 1
The inner tube and the outer tube define at least one temperature control chamber between them
Implementation Method 2
the inner tube and the outer tube are permanently connected to one another... prevents contamination of the food mass
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a temperature control module (10) for a temperature control machine (100) for temperature control of a food mass, comprising at least one screw (14) and at least one temperature control tube (12) into which the at least one screw (14) can be inserted, wherein the at least one temperature control tube (12) and the at least one screw (14) define a food mass conveying channel (16) between them, wherein the at least one temperature control tube (12) comprises at least one inner tube (18) and at least one outer tube (20), wherein the at least one inner tube (18) and the at least one outer tube (20) define at least one temperature control chamber (22) between them. According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one inner tube (18) and the at least one outer tube (20) are permanently and firmly connected to one another.