AI-Driven Food Coating System: Optimized Mixing Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent relates to a mixing apparatus for coating food with additives. However, the existing design has limitations in terms of additive distribution, waste minimization, and cleaning efficiency. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing AI-driven optimization, modular additive storage, and self-cleaning mechanisms to create a more efficient, flexible, and sustainable food manufacturing system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new invention introduces AI-driven optimization, modular additive storage, and self-cleaning mechanisms, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the existing design, enabling more efficient, flexible, and sustainable food manufacturing processes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in AI algorithm design, additive storage module configurations, and self-cleaning mechanism implementations. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with different types of food products, such as snacks, confectionery, or baked goods.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The intelligent food mixing and coating system has significant commercial potential in the food manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of noodles, snacks, and other processed foods. The system's ability to optimize additive distribution, minimize waste, and increase efficiency could lead to cost savings and improved product quality, making it an attractive solution for food manufacturers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A23 | A23P20/18 |
| A | A23 | A23G3/0095 |
| A | A23 | A23G3/26 |
| A | A23 | A23L7/109 |
| A | A23 | A23P20/13 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/401 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/402 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/404 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/465 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/54 |
| A | A61 | A61J3/005 |
| B | B01 | B01F25/721 |
| B | B01 | B01F33/813 |
| B | B01 | B01F35/7548 |
| B | B01 | B01J2/12 |
| B | B05 | B05B13/025 |
| B | B05 | B05B13/0257 |
| A | A23 | A23V2002/00 |
| B | B05 | B05C3/00 |
| B | B05 | B05C3/08 |
| B | B05 | B05D3/12 |
| B | B67 | B67D1/0016 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Food processing machinery, specifically mixing and coating apparatus for food products, with expertise in mechanical engineering, food manufacturing automation, and additive distribution systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years of experience in food processing equipment design, familiar with industrial mixing technologies, automation principles, and food safety regulations
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's AI-driven optimization and modular design represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's mixing apparatus. The core functional elements of additive distribution and food processing remain fundamentally consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental improvements using known technological approaches. The variations represent standard engineering problem-solving techniques applied to the existing mixing apparatus framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,977 |
|---|---|
| Title | Mixing apparatus for mixing an additive with food while the food is falling |
| Assignee(s) | AJINOMOTO CO., INC., MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD. |