Integrated Yogurt Production Machine with Automated Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machines for producing artisanal yogurt require multiple devices and operator attendance, leading to increased labor costs and space requirements in commercial establishments.
Innovation Solution
A single, automated machine that integrates milk processing, fermentation, storage, and dispensing capabilities, utilizing a heating and cooling unit with adjustable temperature control and a topping dispensing system, allowing for the production of plain and flavored yogurt without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple machines/devices are used for yogurt production, then the yogurt can be produced according to a defined production cycle, but the labor cost and space requirements significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate machines (pasteurizing machine, fermentation device, refrigerating machine) into a single integrated yogurt production machine. The machine includes a pasteurization tank with heating elements, a fermentation tank, and a refrigeration system all within one device, eliminating the need for multiple standalone machines and reducing both space requirements and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The yogurt production machine performs multiple functions within a single device: it can pasteurize milk, cool and inoculate milk, ferment the inoculated milk, and refrigerate the finished yogurt. This multi-functional design allows one machine to replace several specialized machines, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable production cycles
2Productivity
If multiple machines/devices are used for yogurt production, then the production process can be completed, but the space needed for installation in an artisan shop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pasteurization tank, fermentation tank, and refrigeration system into a single compact machine. The tanks are connected through internal piping systems, allowing the machine to perform multiple production steps in one location rather than requiring separate machines distributed across a larger shop space
Solution Approach 2:
The machine design places the fermentation tank within or adjacent to the pasteurization tank structure, and the refrigeration system is integrated into the same housing. This nested arrangement allows the production components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, minimizing the total footprint required in the artisan shop
3Reliability
If an operator is required for production, then the yogurt can be made according to the production cycle, but the labor cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is designed to automatically perform the yogurt production cycle without requiring operator intervention during the process. The control system automatically controls the heating elements for pasteurization, the cooling system for temperature reduction, the inoculation process, and the refrigeration of finished yogurt. The machine monitors and maintains the production cycle parameters autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The machine includes temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the temperature in the pasteurization tank, fermentation tank, and refrigeration system. The control system adjusts heating and cooling operations based on feedback from these sensors, ensuring the production cycle proceeds correctly without operator intervention and maintaining reliable process control
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 machine reduces labor costs and space requirements by automating the yogurt production cycle, enabling flexible production and dispensing of artisanal yogurt, and allowing for continuous operation with minimal operator involvement.
Implementation Method 1
The heating and cooling unit (12) heats the milk inside the processing tank (4) to a first pasteurization temperature (T1)
Implementation Method 2
The heating and cooling unit (12) cools the inoculated milk inside the processing tank (4) down to a second temperature (T2)
Implementation Method 3
The heating and cooling unit (12) heats the inoculated milk inside the processing tank (4) to a third fermentation temperature (T3)
Implementation Method 4
When fermentation is over, the fermented milk is cooled to a storage temperature
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a machine for making, storing and dispensing yogurt, comprising a tank for processing a certain quantity of milk, a device for inoculating milk ferments inside the tank, a cylinder for keeping and storing the yogurt, which is connected to the processing tank, a tap for dispensing the yogurt coming from the keeping and storing cylinder; the machine also comprises a heating and cooling unit connected to the processing tank and capable of causing the milk to reach a first pasteurization temperature, a second inoculation temperature, at which a certain quantity of milk ferments is inoculated in the processing tank through the inoculating device, and a third fermentation temperature of the milk ferments; the heating and cooling unit is also connected to the keeping and storing cylinder to cool the yogurt coming from the processing tank and to bring it to a fourth cooling temperature and to a fifth storing and dispensing temperature.