Variable Gap Roller Particulate Sizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing food products with varied particulate sizes require multiple devices and steps, increasing energy consumption and the risk of contamination due to high-speed metal parts.

Innovation Solution

A particulate sizer comprising two rollers with a varying gap width along their length, allowing for the production of multiple particulate sizes in a single step without high-speed rotating parts, using a textured surface to carry and break down particulates into desired sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are used to produce different particulate sizes, then size variety is achieved, but device complexity and floorspace increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate size varietyVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single particulate sizer device performs multiple functions by producing different particulate sizes through variable gap width along the roller length, eliminating the need for multiple separate sizing devices and reducing floorspace requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller gap is segmented into different width sections along its length, allowing different zones to produce different particulate sizes simultaneously, thereby achieving size variety from a single device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high-speed metal parts are used to cut or crush particulates, then sizing is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate sizingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces high-speed mechanical cutting/crushing systems with a low-speed compression system using rollers, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving the same particulate sizing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters from high-speed rotation to low-speed compression, and from fixed gap to variable gap width, enabling efficient sizing with reduced energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high-speed metal parts are used for cutting or crushing, then particulate breakdown is achieved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate breakdownVSAvoidmetal contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces high-speed metal cutting/crushing mechanisms with low-speed roller compression, eliminating the source of metal contamination while maintaining effective particulate breakdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller surface can be made of non-metallic or easily replaceable material that does not contaminate the particulates, addressing the contamination issue inherent in durable metal blade systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If consistent texture is achieved through uniform particulate size, then product uniformity is improved, but natural appearance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetexture consistencyVSAvoidtexture variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The variable gap width creates different compression zones along the roller length, producing a mix of particulate sizes that provide both consistent base texture and varied natural appearance in the final product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 the production of particulates of different sizes in a single device, reducing energy consumption and contamination risks while allowing for varied texture and flavor profiles in food products.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second rollers compress some particulates to a first size and compress other particulates to a second smaller size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3837052B1Apparatus and method for variable sizing of particulates

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 GENERAL MILLS INC

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AI summary

A particulate sizer (165) includes an infeed (180) for receiving a plurality of particulates, a first roller (205; 600), and a second roller (206; 601). The first and second rollers (205, 206; 600, 601) break down the plurality of particulates as the plurality of particulates passes through a gap (315; 620) between the first and second rollers (205, 206; 600, 601). The width of the gap (315; 620) varies along a length of the first and second rollers (205, 206; 600, 601). Accordingly, the first and second rollers (205, 206; 600, 601) compress some particulates to a first size and compress other particulates to a second smaller size. In addition, each of the first and second rollers (205, 206; 600, 601) has a textured outer surface (305, 306; 615, 616) for carrying the plurality of particulates through the gap (315; 620).