Vacuum Cooling Line Integration for Continuous Product Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cooling systems for baked goods are space-consuming, time-consuming, and energy-intensive, requiring manual handling and leading to increased manufacturing costs due to their integration with intermittently operating thermoforming packaging machines.
Innovation Solution
A cooling line with vacuum cooling stations integrated along a product conveyor, allowing products to pass through in one direction, utilizing vacuum cooling chambers to achieve compact, energy-efficient cooling without manual handling, synchronized with upstream baking and downstream packaging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If long cooling lines with spirally arranged conveyor belts are used to cool baked goods, then the products can be cooled in ambient air, but the cooling lines occupy a relatively large installation space and require a considerable amount of time to cool the hot baked goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum cooling by creating a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere without oxygen) in the cooling chamber. This allows rapid cooling of baked goods through evaporative cooling without requiring long cooling lines, thus reducing installation space while achieving effective temperature reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (from liquid to vapor) under vacuum conditions to achieve cooling. The moisture on the surface of baked goods evaporates rapidly in the vacuum environment, absorbing heat and cooling the products quickly without needing extensive cooling infrastructure
2Temperature
If vacuum refrigerators are used to cool baked goods, then the products can be quickly cooled to a desired temperature level, but several manual steps must be carried out before the vacuum cooling process and the production volume is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where baked goods are automatically transferred from the baking unit to the vacuum cooling chamber and then to the packaging unit. The system self-regulates the vacuum cooling process and product flow, eliminating manual handling steps while maintaining high production volume through continuous automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous automated flow where baking, vacuum cooling, and packaging operations are seamlessly connected. Products move continuously through the system without manual intervention, maintaining constant production volume while achieving rapid cooling through the integrated vacuum cooling station
3Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum cooling systems are integrated into intermittently operating thermoforming packaging machines, then the cooling process can be synchronized with packaging, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vacuum cooling station as a distinct module within the packaging line, with separate vacuum chambers that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be added to existing packaging lines without requiring complete system redesign, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the vacuum cooling station to serve multiple functions: cooling baked goods, preparing them for packaging, and potentially serving other food processing applications. This multi-functionality justifies the integration cost by providing versatile capabilities that benefit the entire production line
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 rapid, space-saving, and energy-efficient cooling of products, reducing manual steps and increasing output by integrating vacuum cooling stations with the conveyor, facilitating seamless integration with packaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum cooling station provided along a section of the product conveyor cools the products transported into it on the product conveyor by means of a vacuum generated within the vacuum cooling station
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum cooling station configured for vacuum cooling is assigned to a section of the product conveyor or a section of the cooling line
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for cooling products (P) transported along a cooling line (1) by means of a product conveyor (3a, 3b) provided thereon in the direction of transport (T), wherein at least one vacuum cooling station (2a, 2b) provided along a section of the product conveyor (3a, 3b) cools the products (P) transported into it on the product conveyor (3a, 3b) by means of a vacuum generated within the vacuum cooling station (2a, 2b).