On-Demand Viscous Paste Mixing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

The preparation of vegetarian-based edible pastes, such as chickpea paste, is time-consuming and often results in large batches that spoil due to sensitivity to environmental conditions, requiring separate mixing for individual taste preferences, which can lead to fermentation and contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and process for on-demand preparation of single servings of viscous edible pastes, combining an aqueous-based viscous paste with an oil-based composition using a static mixing assembly, ducting arrangement, and propelling modules, allowing for customizable ratios and minimizing contact with apparatus parts to prevent contamination and fermentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If large batches of edible paste are prepared in advance, then preparation time per serving is reduced, but the paste starts to ferment and must be discarded due to sensitivity to environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation time per servingVSAvoidpaste stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the paste preparation process into separate functional modules: a paste container, an oil container, a mixing chamber, and a dispensing system. This allows individual components to be stored separately and combined only when needed, preventing fermentation while enabling quick on-demand preparation of single servings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus performs preliminary preparation by pre-storing the base paste and oil components in separate sealed containers. These pre-prepared components remain stable until use, and the system automatically combines them when a serving is requested, eliminating both waste and fermentation issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If each portion is mixed separately to accommodate individual taste preferences, then customization is improved, but the complexity of the mixing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetaste customizationVSAvoidmixing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates a controllable pumping system that dynamically adjusts the flow rates of paste and oil into the mixing chamber. Users can select different ratios and amounts through a control interface, and the system automatically adapts the mixing process to deliver customized servings without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the apparatus has multiple contact points for mixing and processing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but the risk of contamination and fermentation in hard-to-clean areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus extracts the mixing function into a dedicated, isolated mixing chamber that is physically separated from storage containers and dispensing mechanisms. This chamber has minimal internal surfaces and is designed for easy cleaning or disposable use, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining efficient mixing through controlled fluid dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing chamber and associated ducting are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. After use, these elements can be discarded or quickly sanitized, preventing the accumulation and fermentation of residual paste in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining high mixing efficiency throughout the service life of each element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 preparation of freshly tailored, homogeneous edible pastes with reduced risk of contamination and fermentation, allowing for customizable single servings while maintaining hygiene and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a static mixing arrangement disposed between the first and second inlets and said outlet for mixing the first composition with the second composition while advancing within said static mixing arrangement from the inlet arrangement towards the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic mixing:

Implementation Method 2

one or more propelling modules, and a control module... a first duct configured to link between the removable container and said first inlet, and a second duct configured to link between the reservoir and said second inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230356157A1Apparatus and process for preparing viscous edible pastes

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 STRAUSS GRP LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns apparatus and processes for preparing viscous food products, typically on-demand preparation of single servings of edible, e.g. vegetable-based, pastes having high viscosity.