Automated Yogurt Maker Capsule Mixing and Incubation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yogurt makers require manual stirring and pouring of yogurt starter into smaller containers for fermentation, making the process not fully automated and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automated yogurt maker that uses technology similar to single-serve coffee makers, with a capsule holder for yogurt starter and a nozzle to mix milk with the starter, and heating elements for scalding and incubation temperatures, reducing user intervention to a few minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual stirring and pouring methods are used, then the yogurt making process can be completed, but the automation level is low and user time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic stirring via a motor-driven stirring member that mixes the yogurt starter into the milk without user intervention. The system also automatically pours the mixture into fermentation containers, eliminating the need for manual operation and achieving self-service automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that coordinates the heating element, stirring mechanism, and pouring system through electronic control, substituting human mechanical actions with an integrated automated mechanical and electrical system.
2Ease of operation
If fully automated mixing is implemented, then user time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it heats the milk to scalding temperature initially, then maintains the mixture at incubation temperature during fermentation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating devices and simplifies the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stirring mechanism and pouring system into a single automated operation sequence controlled by one system. The stirring member and pouring mechanism work together as an integrated unit, reducing operational complexity despite adding automation capabilities.
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
Transforms the yogurt-making process into a two-step operation, allowing users to create homemade yogurt with minimal time and effort, offering control over ingredients and probiotic cultures, and producing high-quality yogurt with reduced sugar content.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating element configured to heat the milk to a scalding temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to pump the milk from the first container to the nozzle, so that the milk flows through the nozzle into the yogurt starter capsule
Implementation Method 3
a second heating element configured to maintain the temperature of the mixture of the milk and the yogurt starter at an incubation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An automated yogurt maker includes: a first container configured to receive milk; a first heating element configured to heat the milk to a scalding temperature; a capsule holder configured to hold a yogurt starter capsule; a nozzle configured to direct the milk into the yogurt starter capsule; a pump configured to pump the milk from the first container to the nozzle so that the milk flows through the nozzle into the yogurt starter capsule and mixes with the yogurt starter; a second container configured to receive the mixture of the milk and the yogurt starter; and a second heating element configured to maintain the temperature of the mixture at an incubation temperature while the mixture incubates to produce yogurt.