Venturi Orifice Geometry for Meat Patty Fiber Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current meat patty forming technologies rely on high pressure and complex material flow pathways, leading to poor quality products due to excessive muscle fiber binding and energy loss, which are difficult to replicate in production tooling environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of spherical geometry in orifices to create a venturi effect, where a sphere intersects a cylinder, allowing for increased product velocity and fiber alignment by reducing cross-sectional area, mimicking the principles of a venturi nozzle while being feasible for production practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high pressure and complex flow pathways are used, then meat cells are massaged and protein binding is enhanced, but product quality deteriorates due to excessive fiber binding and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical geometry at the orifice entrance to create a venturi effect. The curved spherical surface gradually transitions to a cylindrical flow path, creating smooth flow transitions that reduce turbulence and energy loss while maintaining effective fiber alignment and protein binding through controlled velocity changes
2Loss of energy
If a traditional venturi nozzle is used to create smooth transition, then energy loss is reduced and fiber alignment is supported, but device complexity increases and it is difficult to manufacture in production tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orifice structure into two distinct geometric zones: a spherical entrance section and a cylindrical flow section. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured using standard production techniques while collectively achieving the venturi effect that reduces energy loss and improves fiber alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry at the orifice entrance provides the smooth curved transition needed for the venturi effect, while being far easier to manufacture than a traditional gradual venturi nozzle. The sphere-cylinder intersection creates the necessary flow conditions with simple, manufacturable shapes
3Speed
If the orifice diameter is reduced to increase velocity, then product acceleration and fiber alignment improve, but flow restrictions and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical entrance geometry creates a gradual area reduction that accelerates the product flow while minimizing flow separation and turbulence. This curved transition allows velocity increase without the energy losses associated with abrupt contractions or sharp edges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the orifice, specifically using a sphere-to-cylinder diameter ratio between 1.1 to 2.5 times. This parameter optimization achieves the desired velocity increase and fiber alignment while controlling energy loss through the venturi effect
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
This approach enhances fiber alignment, reduces energy loss, and maintains improved cell structure in meat products by accelerating the product through the orifice, creating a self-cleaning and efficient flow system with minimal interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The use of spherical geometry in orifices to create a venturi effect, where a sphere intersects a cylinder, allowing for increased product velocity and fiber alignment by reducing cross-sectional area
Implementation Method 2
Using the equation from Bernoulli's law of A1V1=A2V2, the velocity is increased by reducing the cross sectional area
Implementation Method 3
The principle has design similarities to a venturi. It is referred to as a choke plate, nozzle, venturi, orifice, or a restriction to flow which results in product acceleration with a corresponding pressure drop through the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for accelerating a product through an orifice.