A thawing sampling device for food inspection

Abstract

The application relates to a thawing sampling device for food detection, comprising an ultrasonic thawing assembly and a cutting tube assembly, wherein through the ultrasonic thawing assembly, food samples can be quickly and uniformly thawed, the sampling efficiency is improved, compared with a traditional natural thawing mode, the food thawing time can be significantly shortened, compared with a traditional heating thawing mode, the food quality is not affected, and the accuracy of detection results can be ensured; the cutting inner tube in the cutting tube assembly is designed in a tubular shape and can axially move relative to the ultrasonic thawing assembly; after the ultrasonic thawing assembly thaws a food sample into a channel through ultrasonic waves, the cutting inner tube can realize accurate cutting and sampling of the thawed part of the food sample, sampling is not necessary after the food sample is completely melted, the sampling efficiency can be further improved, and food sampling is more convenient and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food testing technology, and in particular to a thawing and sampling device for food testing. Background Technology

[0002] Food testing is a discipline that studies and evaluates the quality and changes of food. Based on some basic theories of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry and various technologies, it examines the quality of food raw materials, auxiliary materials, semi-finished products, finished products, and by-products according to established technical standards, such as international and national food and safety standards, in order to determine whether the products are safe. The content of food testing includes sensory testing of food, detection of nutritional components, food additives, and toxic and harmful substances in food.

[0003] Frozen foods must be sampled and tested before being sold to ensure their safety. Food cannot be tested while frozen, so it needs to be thawed before testing can be performed. There are two main thawing methods: natural thawing and heat thawing. Compared to the other two methods, natural thawing is less likely to affect the quality of the food, so the test results after natural thawing are more accurate. However, natural thawing takes a long time, which is inconvenient for subsequent testing.

[0004] Therefore, how to quickly thaw frozen foods and collect samples has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses a thawing and sampling device for food testing, aiming to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art. The invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a thawing and sampling device for food testing, including an ultrasonic thawing component and a cutting tube component;

[0007] The ultrasonic defrosting assembly includes a pushing element and an ultrasonic vibration element. The pushing element is in the shape of a long semi-tube. One end of the pushing element is a first operating end, and the other end is a first advancing end. The first advancing end is in the shape of a sharp blade.

[0008] The ultrasonic vibration element is disposed on the inner side of the first forward end;

[0009] The cutting tube assembly includes a cutting inner tube, which is tubular and sleeved on the outside of the ultrasonic thawing assembly, and can move axially relative to the ultrasonic thawing assembly; the cutting inner tube includes a second operating end and a second advancing end, the second advancing end being a sharp blade-shaped end.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrating element is cylindrical, and the outer surface of the ultrasonic vibrating element matches the inner surface of the pushing element.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration element includes a piezoelectric element, a negative electrode wire, and a positive electrode wire. The piezoelectric element is cylindrically sleeved on the outside of the negative electrode wire. The positive electrode wire is connected to one end of the piezoelectric element. The negative electrode wire and the positive electrode wire are disposed on the inner side of the pushing element.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric element includes piezoelectric ceramics, organic piezoelectric materials, or piezoelectric composite materials.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the inner side of the push element is provided with an axial receiving groove, the negative electrode wire and the positive electrode wire are disposed in the receiving groove, and the receiving groove is also provided with encapsulating adhesive.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ultrasonic vibration element is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the pushing element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pushing element has an ultrasonic window at the location where the ultrasonic vibration element is set, so that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic vibration element can be emitted uniformly in the circumference.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the pushing element is provided with a guide rail, and the inner side of the cutting inner tube is provided with a guide groove, so that the cutting inner tube can move axially along the guide rail.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the guide groove is configured as a straight groove or a spiral groove, and the shape of the guide rail matches the shape of the guide groove.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting tube assembly further includes an outer sleeve that is fitted over the outer part of the inner cutting tube. One end of the outer sleeve has an axially extending and radially inwardly bent break portion. The inner cutting tube has an insertion window near the second advancing end, into which the break portion can extend and close the second advancing end.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, one embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention provides a thawing and sampling device for food testing, including an ultrasonic thawing component and a cutting tube component. The ultrasonic thawing component enables rapid and uniform thawing of food samples, improving sampling efficiency. Compared to traditional natural thawing methods, this invention significantly shortens the thawing time. Compared to traditional heating thawing methods, this invention does not affect the quality of the food and ensures the accuracy of the test results.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner cutting tube in the cutting tube assembly of the present invention is designed as a tube and can move axially relative to the ultrasonic thawing assembly. When the ultrasonic thawing assembly thaws the food sample to create a channel through ultrasound, the inner cutting tube can accurately cut and sample the thawed portion of the food sample without having to wait for the food sample to completely melt before sampling. This can further improve sampling efficiency and make food sampling more convenient and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below, forming part of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic defrosting assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting tube assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting tube assembly in another state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thawing and sampling device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the thawing and sampling device from another direction in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the thawing and sampling device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the thawing and sampling device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] Pushing element 10, first advancing end 11, ultrasonic window 12, guide rail 13, ultrasonic vibration element 20, piezoelectric element 21, negative electrode wire 22, cutting inner tube 30, second advancing end 31, guide groove 32, probe window 33, outer tube 40, detachment part 41, food sample 50. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the term "or" is generally used to include the meaning of "and / or," unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0033] In the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Before conducting food testing on frozen foods, it is necessary to thaw the food samples in the frozen state. The commonly used thawing methods are natural thawing or heating thawing, but both have obvious drawbacks.

[0036] If natural thawing is chosen, it takes a long time for the food to thaw completely. This waiting time will greatly prolong the food testing cycle, which is not conducive to quickly carrying out subsequent testing work. Moreover, due to the long time, bacteria can easily grow on the surface or inside the food, thus affecting the accuracy of food testing.

[0037] When choosing to defrost by heating, the temperature of the food will rise rapidly. It is necessary to control the heating time and temperature, otherwise the food will spoil and affect the final results of food testing.

[0038] To address the drawbacks of natural thawing and heat thawing of food samples, this invention provides a thawing sampling device for food testing. This device aims to rapidly thaw food samples at temperatures close to those of natural thawing, avoiding bacterial growth caused by prolonged natural thawing and food spoilage resulting from heat thawing.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the thawing and sampling device for food testing includes an ultrasonic thawing component and a cutting tube component. The ultrasonic thawing component is used to partially thaw food samples in a frozen state and form a thawing channel in which the radially outward area of ​​the channel can be gradually thawed. The cutting tube component is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasonic thawing component and can move axially relative to the ultrasonic thawing component to cut the thawed area of ​​the food sample.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the frozen foods used for food testing may include meat products, seafood products, frozen vegetables, frozen fruits, frozen noodle products, frozen dairy products, frozen ready foods, frozen prepared foods, frozen pastries, frozen desserts, etc., and examples will not be listed here.

[0041] like Figure 1 — Figure 7 In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic defrosting assembly includes a pushing element 10 and an ultrasonic vibration element 20, and the cutting tube assembly includes a cutting inner tube 30 and an outer tube 40. The cutting inner tube 30 is sleeved outside the pushing element 10, and the outer tube 40 is sleeved outside the cutting inner tube 30. The pushing element 10, the cutting inner tube 30, and the outer tube 40 all extend axially. The pushing element 10 includes a first operating end and a first advancing end 11, and the cutting inner tube 30 includes a second operating end and a second advancing end 31. In this embodiment, the end closer to the operator is the "operating end", and the end farther from the operator is the "advancing end".

[0042] Preferably, the pushing element 10 is a long semi-tubular shape, and the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is disposed inside the first advancing end 11. The structure of the first advancing end 11 is configured as a sharp blade. In use, the first advancing end 11 is used to pierce the surface of the frozen food sample 50, and at the same time, the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is turned on to emit ultrasound radially outward. Ultrasonic vibration can accelerate the thawing process of frozen food, improve the uniformity of food during thawing, reduce the temperature gradient during thawing, and thus reduce the possibility of changes in food quality. During the thawing process, the texture of the thawed part of the food softens, allowing the ultrasonic vibration element 20 to gradually pierce into the thawed area, eventually forming a pierced channel.

[0043] However, it should be noted that although the pushing element 10 can penetrate into the frozen food to form a thawing channel, it is not only the channel that is thawed. During the forward movement of the pushing element 10, the frozen parts around the channel will also be thawed and softened by radial ultrasonic radiation.

[0044] In this embodiment, the size of the pushing element 10 is no longer specifically limited. Those skilled in the art can freely select or design the specific length or radius of the pushing element 10 according to the actual volume of the frozen food to be detected.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is in the shape of a short cylinder, and the curvature of the outer surface of the ultrasonic vibration element 20 matches that of the inner surface of the pushing element 10. That is, the outer diameter of the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is the same as the inner diameter of the pushing element 10, and the two are tightly connected. Preferably, the two are bonded together.

[0046] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is larger than that of the push element 10, so as to effectively emit a sufficient amount of ultrasonic waves.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration element 20 includes a piezoelectric element 21, a negative electrode wire 22, and a positive electrode wire (not shown in the figure). The piezoelectric element 21 is cylindrically sleeved on the outside of the negative electrode wire 22, and the outer diameter of the piezoelectric element 21 is also the outer diameter of the ultrasonic vibration element 20. The positive electrode wire is connected to one end of the piezoelectric element 21. Both the positive electrode wire and the negative electrode wire 22 are disposed on the inner side of the pushing element 10. Preferably, the inner side of the pushing element 10 is provided with an axial receiving groove, and both the negative electrode wire 22 and the positive electrode wire are disposed in the receiving groove and covered with encapsulating adhesive. The other end of the negative electrode wire 22 and the positive electrode wire is connected to the ultrasonic generator.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric element 21 is made of a material with a piezoelectric effect, such as piezoelectric ceramic, organic piezoelectric material or piezoelectric composite material. The negative electrode wire 22 and the positive electrode wire are respectively connected to the outer surface of the piezoelectric element 21 and are responsible for providing the required electric field. When an external electric field is applied, the piezoelectric element 21 will deform and generate mechanical vibration.

[0049] Specifically, when an external power source applies voltage to the positive electrode wire, an electric field is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 21 through the connection between the positive electrode wire and the piezoelectric element 21. Due to the piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric element 21 deforms under the action of the electric field and generates mechanical waves, i.e., ultrasound, through high-frequency vibration. Since ultrasound induces microscopic molecular vibrations in frozen food, these microscopic vibrations weaken the intermolecular forces, thereby promoting the breakup of ice crystals and the movement of water molecules. Ultimately, this allows for more uniform heat conduction within the frozen food, accelerating the thawing process without significantly raising the temperature of the thawing area, thus maintaining the quality of the food.

[0050] Since the pushing element 10 below the ultrasonic vibration element 20 will block some of the ultrasonic waves from being emitted outward, in a preferred embodiment, the pushing element 10 has an ultrasonic window 12 at the location where the ultrasonic vibration element 20 is set, so as to ensure that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic vibration element 20 can be emitted uniformly in the circumference.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 3In a preferred embodiment, the inner cutting tube 30 is tubularly sleeved on the outside of the ultrasonic thawing assembly. The inner diameter of the inner cutting tube 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic thawing assembly, and there is a gap between them. The inner cutting tube 30 can move axially relative to the ultrasonic thawing assembly. The second forward end 31 of the inner cutting tube 30 is sharp and blade-shaped to facilitate penetration into the thawing area. After penetration, since there is a gap between the inner cutting tube 30 and the ultrasonic thawing assembly, the sample is located between the inner cutting tube 30 and the pushing assembly.

[0052] Preferably, the outer side of the pushing element 10 is provided with a guide rail 13, and the inner side of the cutting inner tube 30 is provided with a guide groove 32, so as to ensure that the cutting inner tube 30 can move axially along the guide rail 13.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the guide chute 32 is configured as a linear chute, and the guide rail 13 is also a linear rail; in another preferred embodiment, the guide chute 32 is configured as a spiral chute, and the guide rail 13 is also spiral, so that the pushing element 10 and the cutting inner tube 30 are spirally engaged, and the cutting inner tube 30 spirals forward during axial movement, which can cut the thawed area to facilitate sampling.

[0054] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 Preferably, the cutting tube assembly further includes an outer sleeve 40, which is fitted over the outer cutting inner tube 30. One end of the outer sleeve 40 has an axially extending and radially inwardly bent detachment portion 41. The cutting inner tube 30 has an insertion window 33 near the second advancing end 31, and the detachment portion 41 can extend into the insertion window 33 and close the second advancing end 31. Preferably, the detachment portion 41 is in the shape of a sharp blade. After sampling is completed, the detachment portion 41 is pushed into the insertion window 33 to cut the food sample 50 there. After the entire device is removed from the frozen food, the food sample 50 is located between the cutting inner tube 30 and the ultrasonic defrosting assembly. Figure 7 Then, keeping the ultrasonic defrosting assembly still, retract the entire cutting tube assembly backward, exposing the sample to the pushing element 10, and remove it for appropriate food testing.

[0055] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention can significantly shorten the thawing time of food without affecting the quality of the food and can ensure the accuracy of the test results.

[0056] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application as claimed in the appended claims.

[0057] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0058] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline this application and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, features of this application may sometimes be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of this application. However, this approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with features fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of this application.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

Claims

1. A thawing and sampling device for food testing, characterized in that, Includes ultrasonic defrosting assembly and cutting tube assembly; The ultrasonic defrosting assembly includes a pushing element and an ultrasonic vibration element. The ultrasonic vibration element is cylindrical, and the pushing element is a long semi-tube. The outer surface of the ultrasonic vibration element matches the inner surface of the pushing element. One end of the pushing element is a first operating end, and the other end is a first advancing end. The first advancing end is a sharp blade-shaped end. The ultrasonic vibration element is disposed on the inner side of the first forward end; The cutting tube assembly includes an inner cutting tube and an outer cutting tube; The inner cutting tube is tubular and is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasonic thawing assembly. The inner diameter of the inner cutting tube is larger than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic thawing assembly. There is a gap between the inner cutting tube and the ultrasonic thawing assembly. The inner cutting tube can move axially relative to the ultrasonic thawing assembly. The inner cutting tube includes a second operating end and a second advancing end, and the second advancing end is in the shape of a sharp blade. The outer sleeve is fitted over the outside of the inner cutting tube. One end of the outer sleeve has a axially extending and radially inwardly bent break-off portion. The inner cutting tube has an insertion window near the second advancing end. The break-off portion can extend into the insertion window and close the second advancing end.

2. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic vibration element includes a piezoelectric element, a negative electrode wire, and a positive electrode wire. The piezoelectric element is cylindrical and sleeved on the outside of the negative electrode wire. The positive electrode wire is connected to one end of the piezoelectric element. The negative electrode wire and the positive electrode wire are disposed on the inner side of the pushing element.

3. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piezoelectric element includes piezoelectric ceramics, organic piezoelectric materials, or piezoelectric composite materials.

4. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the push element is provided with an axially oriented receiving groove, and the negative electrode wire and the positive electrode wire are disposed in the receiving groove. The receiving groove is also provided with encapsulating adhesive.

5. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the ultrasonic vibration element is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the pushing element.

6. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing element has an ultrasonic window at the location where the ultrasonic vibration element is set, so that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic vibration element can be emitted uniformly in the circumference.

7. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the pushing element is provided with a guide rail, and the inner side of the cutting inner tube is provided with a guide groove, so that the cutting inner tube can move axially along the guide rail.

8. The thawing and sampling device for food testing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide groove is configured as a straight groove or a spiral groove, and the shape of the guide rail matches the shape of the guide groove.

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