Tempura Coating Adhesion via Temperature and Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying tempura coating to deep-fried snacks, particularly chicken nuggets, face issues of inadequate adhesion, complexity, and inefficiency, leading to wastage and compromised taste and texture.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mixing a tempura mix with water and ice to create a homogeneous tempura with specific temperature and viscosity, using a mixer and pump system to apply it to the snack, ensuring optimal coating adherence and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional tempura coating methods are used, then the coating can be applied to deep-fried snacks, but the adhesion is insufficient especially on chicken nuggets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating adhesionVSAvoidproduction method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the tempura batter temperature (10-14°C) and viscosity (Bostwick value 20-27 cm/30s) to optimize coating adhesion. This specific parameter control allows the coating to adhere properly to deep-fried snacks while maintaining a simplified production process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-chilling the tempura batter to 10-14°C before application. This preliminary temperature control prepares the coating to adhere better to the warm deep-fried snack surface, improving adhesion without adding complex production steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional tempura production methods are used, then coating can be applied, but the process is complex and not cost-efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidtempura wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the Bostwick viscosity to 20-27 cm/30s, which creates a coating consistency that is easy to apply uniformly and minimizes wastage. This parameter optimization simplifies the manufacturing process while reducing material loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tempura batter formulation and temperature control enable the coating to self-adhere properly to the snack surface during the dipping process, reducing the need for complex application equipment and minimizing wastage through efficient material utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If tempura coating is applied to deep-fried snacks, then the snack can be enhanced, but the optimal taste, consistency and quality are not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating quality consistencyVSAvoidtempura temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the tempura batter temperature (10-14°C) and viscosity (Bostwick value 20-27 cm/30s) to ensure optimal coating quality, taste, and consistency. This parameter control guarantees reproducible results while maintaining the temperature needed for quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses Bostwick viscosity measurement as a feedback mechanism to monitor and control tempura coating quality. By measuring the flow characteristics and adjusting the formulation accordingly, the process ensures consistent coating quality, taste, and texture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method results in a crispy and airy tempura coating with excellent texture and taste, addressing the challenges of adhesion, cost-efficiency, and waste reduction.

Implementation Method 1

mixing a tempura mix with water and ice to form a homogeneous tempura using a mixer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

pumping the homogeneous tempura or part of the tempura from the mixing vessel into a batter applicator by means of a pump system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

immersing a deep-fried snack in the dipping bath, whereby the homogeneous tempura has a temperature between 10°C and 14°C after mixing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

mixing a tempura mix with water and ice to form a homogeneous tempura

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP4393323B1Method for making a deep-fried snack provided with a tempura coating
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 BELTASTE HAMONT NV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for making a deep-fried snack provided with a tempura coating, comprising the steps of: (a) mixing a tempura mix with water and ice to form a homogeneous tempura using a mixer in a mixing vessel, wherein the tempura mix comprises wheat flour, corn flour, starch, raising agent, herbs and spices; (b) pumping the homogeneous tempura or part of the tempura from the mixing vessel into a batter applicator by means of a pump system, wherein the tempura is collected in a dipping bath provided in the batter applicator; and (c) immersing a deep-fried snack in the dipping bath, wherein the deep-fried snack is guided through the tempura in the dipping bath by means of at least one conveyor belt, whereby the homogeneous tempura has a temperature between 10°C and 14°C after mixing, and a Bostwick viscosity value between 20 and 27 cm/30 s.