Aseptic material handling apparatus and method of operation thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a sterile material handling device and its operating method, comprising a base; a sealed cavity configured to create a vacuum environment; a stirring structure disposed inside the sealed cavity, the stirring structure being a magnetically levitated stirring structure; and a magnetic coupling transmission device, including an external magnetic drive component and an internal magnetic drive component, the magnetic coupling transmission device being used to drive the stirring structure to achieve contactless sealed transmission; and an external PEMF pulsed magnetic field generating module or an ultrasonic cleaning module. This invention integrates multiple functions such as sterile preparation, gentle stirring, triple synergistic sterilization, self-powered UV disinfection, intelligent storage and preservation, and one-key rewarming. It features a compact structure, safety, and reliability, and is particularly suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for sterility, nutrient retention, and shelf life, such as medical liquid diets, enteral nutrition preparations, homogenized diets, and special medical purpose formula foods. It represents a significant technological advancement and has broad prospects for industrial application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sterile material handling device and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Material handling equipment (such as mixers, blenders, homogenizers, etc.) is widely used in food processing, beverage preparation, and medical liquid food production. This type of equipment typically uses a motor-driven stirring mechanism to crush, mix, or homogenize materials within a container to achieve a fine and uniform material state. In medical settings, this equipment is often used to prepare enteral nutrition formulations, homogenized diets, and special medical purpose formulas—materials requiring high hygiene standards. With the continuous expansion of application scenarios, existing material handling equipment still has room for improvement in the following aspects: traditional mechanical shaft drive structures require penetration through the container wall, and the shaft hole area is prone to accumulating dirt and grime; drive motors are mostly fixed-speed, making it difficult to balance low-speed gentle stirring with high-speed powerful cleaning; antibacterial methods are relatively limited, and high-temperature or chemical sterilization can easily affect material quality; and materials need to be transferred and stored after preparation, posing a risk of secondary contamination.

[0003] In view of the above situation, the present invention provides an improved aseptic material handling device to further optimize aspects such as sealed transmission, working mode adaptation, diversity of antibacterial methods, and preparation and storage connection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a sterile material processing device and its working method, which can effectively solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: A sterile material handling device, comprising Base; A sealed cavity configured to create a vacuum environment; A stirring structure is provided inside the sealed cavity, and the stirring structure is a magnetically levitated stirring structure. A magnetic coupling transmission device, comprising an external magnetic drive component and an internal magnetic drive component, is used to drive the stirring structure to achieve contactless, sealed transmission. An external PEMF pulsed magnetic field generating module is located on the outside of the outer shell of the sealed cavity, and is used to achieve non-contact antibacterial treatment of the material inside the cavity and improve the fineness of the material; A dual-mode speed-regulating motor is connected to the external magnetic drive component. The dual-mode speed-regulating motor has a low-speed material preparation mode and a high-speed cleaning mode. A magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module is installed in the cavity where the stirring structure is located. It is powered by at least one of the following: magnetic coupling induction power generation or direct power supply when the dual-mode speed-regulating motor is running at high speed. The UV disinfection module is only lit in high-speed cleaning mode. A vacuum module, comprising a vacuum pump, is connected to the sealed cavity via a gas pipe and is used to evacuate the sealed cavity to a micro-vacuum state. A graded heating module is used for heating, high-temperature cleaning, and constant-temperature drying of materials within the sealed cavity. The intelligent control module is used to monitor and maintain the micro-vacuum state and cavity temperature in real time; during the material storage process, the intelligent control module maintains the micro-vacuum and low temperature state for a long time to achieve in-situ preservation of materials. Therefore, the sealed cavity remains sealed after the material preparation is completed. The intelligent control module controls the vacuum module to maintain a micro-vacuum state in the sealed cavity and controls the refrigeration module to maintain a low temperature state in the sealed cavity, so that the material can be stored in place in the sealed cavity.

[0006] A sterile material handling device and its operating method include the following steps: S1. Material input: Add the material to be processed into the sealed cavity; S2. Vacuuming process: The intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump to start, and the sealed cavity is evacuated to a slightly negative pressure state through the air pipe; S3. Temperature adjustment: According to the material requirements, the intelligent control module controls the refrigeration module or the staged heating module to adjust to the set temperature. S4, Low-speed preparation mode: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor to run at low speed and high torque. The stirring structure gently stirs and crushes the material. The PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module performs non-contact antibacterial treatment on the material. The magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module does not light up due to low speed and insufficient conversion of electrical energy. S5. Discharge Material: Remove the material after preparation is complete; S6. Inject cleaning water: Inject clean water into the sealed cavity; S7. High-speed cleaning and UV disinfection: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor to run at high speed, driving the stirring structure to rotate at high speed to form a rinsing effect. At the same time, the magnetic coupling power generation meets the working voltage of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module. The UV is automatically lit to disinfect the cavity with ultraviolet light. The graded heating module heats up to the high temperature range to achieve high-temperature water washing. S8. Constant temperature drying: After drainage, the intelligent control module controls the graded heating module to continuously dry at a constant temperature. S9. Determine if cleaning is needed again. If so, return to S6; otherwise, end.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) This invention achieves contactless sealed transmission through the combination of magnetic levitation stirring structure and magnetic coupling transmission device, avoiding the leakage and pollution risks of traditional shaft transmission structure; through the switching between low-speed material preparation mode and high-speed cleaning mode of dual-mode speed-regulating motor, it takes into account the dual needs of gentle stirring to protect nutrients and strong flushing for efficient cleaning; through the self-powered linkage design of magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module, it only lights up automatically during high-speed cleaning, without the need for external power supply and eliminating the risk of accidental lighting; through the non-contact antibacterial and material refinement treatment of external PEMF pulse magnetic field generation module, combined with the high-temperature water washing and UV disinfection of graded heating module, a triple synergistic antibacterial system of "PEMF pretreatment to reduce microbial resistance, high-temperature water washing to inactivate, and ultraviolet light to kill completely" is formed, with an overall sterilization rate of over 99.999%; through the intelligent control module to maintain micro-vacuum and low temperature state during material storage, it realizes in-situ preservation of materials, isolation of oxygen to inhibit bacterial growth, reduction of secondary pollution, and has a one-key reheat function. In summary, this invention integrates multiple functions such as aseptic preparation, gentle stirring, triple synergistic sterilization, self-powered UV disinfection, intelligent storage and preservation, and one-button rewarming. It has a compact structure, is safe and reliable, and is particularly suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for asepticity, nutrient retention, and shelf life, such as medical liquid diets, enteral nutrition preparations, homogenized diets, and special medical purpose formula foods. It has significant technological advancements and broad prospects for industrial application. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram of the aseptic material processing device of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the PEMF pulsed magnetic field generating module of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the working method of the aseptic material processing device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0015] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0016] Reference Figure 1-5 As shown, a sterile material handling device includes... The base 10; a sealed cavity 20 configured to form a vacuum environment; a stirring structure 206 located inside the sealed cavity 20, the stirring structure 206 being a magnetically levitated stirring structure; and a magnetic coupling transmission device including an outer magnetic drive component 202 and an inner magnetic drive component 204, the magnetic coupling transmission device being used to drive the stirring structure 206 to achieve contactless sealed transmission.

[0017] The specific implementation of the magnetic levitation stirring structure is as follows: permanent magnets are set at both ends or the bottom of the rotating shaft of the stirring structure 206, and repulsive or attractive permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils are set at corresponding positions (such as the bottom or end cap) of the sealed cavity 20. This ensures that the stirring structure 206 remains in a non-contact levitation state with the cavity wall during rotation, thereby eliminating mechanical friction, reducing noise, and extending service life. This magnetic levitation structure works in conjunction with a magnetic coupling transmission device. The outer magnetic drive component 202 drives the inner magnetic drive component 204 to rotate through the magnetic field penetrating the non-magnetic isolation sleeve, thereby driving the stirring structure 206 to rotate without contact, achieving gentle stirring of materials.

[0018] The dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200, connected to the external magnetic drive component 202, features a low-speed material preparation mode and a high-speed cleaning mode. In material preparation mode, the motor operates at low speed to increase output torque, achieving gentle crushing and uniform mixing of materials, avoiding damage to nutrients caused by high temperatures generated from high-speed friction. Depending on the viscosity characteristics of different materials, the intelligent control module can automatically or manually adjust the speed and mixing time in the low-speed preparation mode. For low-viscosity materials (such as liquids and beverages), a higher speed (e.g., 25–30 rpm) and a shorter mixing time (e.g., 1–3 minutes) can be used; for high-viscosity materials (such as homogenized diets and nutritional pastes), a lower speed (e.g., 8–15 rpm) and a longer mixing time (e.g., 3–8 minutes) can be used to ensure uniform and fine materials without generating excessive heat due to over-mixing. In cleaning mode, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 switches to high-speed operation to create a high-temperature rinsing effect, while simultaneously meeting the lighting conditions of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208.

[0019] Specifically, during the material preparation stage, the intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 to run at a low speed, typically ranging from 8 to 30 revolutions per minute (rpm). Within this speed range, the motor output torque increases significantly, providing sufficient driving torque to overcome the stirring resistance of the material, achieving gentle crushing and uniform stirring of viscous materials such as medical liquids, nutritional preparations, and homogenized diets. Due to the low speed, the shear friction between the stirring structure 206 and the material is relatively mild, and a large amount of frictional heat will not be generated due to high-speed rotation, thus effectively preventing heat-sensitive nutrients (such as proteins, vitamins, probiotics, etc.) in the material from denaturing or becoming inactive due to high temperature. At the same time, under low-speed operation conditions, the magnetic field alternation frequency generated by the magnetic coupling transmission device is low (usually below 3Hz), and the induced electromotive force generated in the induction coil of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 is small (usually below 1.5V), which cannot reach the UV LED lighting voltage threshold (approximately 3.2V). Therefore, the UV disinfection module (208) remains off, and will not generate unnecessary ultraviolet irradiation on the material. During the equipment cleaning phase, the intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 to switch to high-speed operation, typically ranging from 50 to 200 revolutions per minute (rpm). Within this speed range, the stirring structure 206 rotates at high speed, creating a strong fluid scouring effect inside the sealed cavity 20. Combined with the high-temperature hot water (65℃ to 95℃) generated by the staged heating module 70, this effectively peels off and removes dirt, grease, and organic residues adhering to the inner wall of the cavity and the surface of the stirring structure. Simultaneously, the alternating frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic coupling transmission device increases significantly during high-speed rotation (typically reaching above 5Hz), generating sufficient induced electromotive force (typically above 5V) in the induction coil of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208. This meets the operating voltage requirements of the UV LED (3.2V / 100mA), automatically illuminating the UV LED and performing real-time UV disinfection of the cavity, achieving simultaneous high-temperature water washing and UV sterilization.

[0020] In summary, through the above dual-mode design, this invention achieves the following technical effects: First, the material preparation stage adopts low-speed, high-torque operation, which ensures the stirring effect while avoiding the destruction of nutrients by high temperatures, making it particularly suitable for heat-sensitive special medical foods and medical liquid foods; Second, the cleaning stage adopts high-speed operation, simultaneously achieving a triple cleaning effect of physical rinsing, high-temperature sterilization, and ultraviolet disinfection, ensuring the hygiene of the cavity; Third, the two modes are achieved by the same motor through speed switching, eliminating the need for additional drive components, resulting in a compact structure and low cost; Fourth, the lighting of the UV disinfection module is physically linked to the motor speed, eliminating the need for independent electronic switches or sensors, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of accidental lighting of the UV lamp during material preparation, and improving the reliability and safety of the system.

[0021] The magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 is located inside the cavity where the stirring structure 206 is located. It is powered by the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 through magnetic coupling induction power generation when running at high speed, and the UV disinfection module is only lit in the high-speed cleaning mode. The PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module 80, together with the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 and the graded heating module 70, forms a triple antibacterial system of "high temperature + UV + electromagnetic field". The external PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module 80 is located on the outside of the shell of the sealed cavity 20 and is used to achieve non-contact antibacterial treatment of the materials in the cavity and improve the fineness of the materials. The pulse magnetic field generated by the PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module 80 first destroys the cell membrane potential of microorganisms, the high temperature water washing generated by the graded heating module 70 inactivates microorganisms, and the ultraviolet light generated by the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 completely kills the residual microorganisms. The three work together to achieve sterilization. To achieve reliable induction power generation, the inner magnetic drive component 204 and the outer magnetic drive component 202 of the magnetic coupling transmission device each contain 6 pairs of magnetic poles (alternating N and S poles). The permanent magnet material is neodymium iron boron (N35SH), with a remanence Br ≥ 1.2T. The induction coil is wound with 200 turns of 0.2mm diameter enameled wire, and the coil resistance is approximately 8Ω. When the rotation speed reaches 50rpm, the magnetic field alternation frequency is 5Hz, and the peak value of the induced electromotive force is approximately 5.2V. After full-bridge rectification and capacitor filtering, a stable 3.3V / 120mA DC power can be output, meeting the driving requirements of UV LEDs (3.2V / 100mA) while leaving a 20% power margin.

[0022] Specifically, when the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 drives the outer magnetic drive component 202 to rotate, the alternating magnetic field between the outer magnetic drive component 202 and the inner magnetic drive component 204 generates an induced electromotive force (EMF) in the induction coil built into the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208. The magnitude of this induced EMF is proportional to the motor speed: the higher the speed, the higher the magnetic field alternation frequency, and the greater the induced EMF. Due to the low voltage and low current driving characteristics of UV LEDs (typical operating voltage of 3.2V and operating current of 100mA), in the material preparation mode, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 operates at a low speed (8-30rpm), the magnetic field alternation frequency is low (usually below 3Hz), and the induced EMF generated by the induction coil is small (usually below 1.5V), which cannot reach the UV LED lighting threshold. Therefore, the UV disinfection module 208 remains off, preventing unnecessary ultraviolet irradiation of the material and avoiding the consumption of additional energy. In cleaning mode, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 switches to high-speed operation (50-200 rpm), significantly increasing the magnetic field alternation frequency (typically above 5 Hz). The induced electromotive force generated by the induction coil increases accordingly (typically above 5V). After processing by the rectifier and filter circuit, a stable DC voltage (3.2V / 100mA) is output to meet the operating conditions of the UV LED, automatically illuminating the UV LED and performing real-time UV disinfection of the cavity. The advantages of this design are: the illumination of the UV disinfection module 208 is physically linked to the motor speed, eliminating the need for additional electronic switches or sensors and preventing accidental ignition of the UV lamp during material preparation; simultaneously, it requires no external power supply or built-in battery, resulting in a simple, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and highly reliable structure.

[0023] Furthermore, the external PEMF pulsed magnetic field generator module 80 is located on the outside of the sealed cavity 20, eliminating the need to penetrate the cavity or introduce electrodes or wires into it, thus completely preserving the fully sealed structure and vacuum maintenance performance of the sealed cavity 20. The PEMF pulsed magnetic field generator module 80 employs low-frequency pulsed magnetic field technology, with typical operating parameters of: frequency 0.5–10 Hz, magnetic field strength 5–50 mT, waveform of square wave or biphasic exponentially decaying wave, and duty cycle of 10%–50%. The effects produced by this module are as follows: (I) Improved Material Fineness: The PEMF pulsed magnetic field can break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, causing the water molecule clusters to dissociate from large clusters (usually composed of 10-20 water molecules) into smaller clusters (composed of 3-6 water molecules). These smaller clusters have higher permeability and solubility, allowing them to bind more evenly with solid particles in the material. This results in a finer, more uniform texture, better taste, and easier swallowing and digestion for patients. (II) Non-Contact Antibacterial Action: The PEMF pulsed magnetic field can disrupt the electrochemical potential of microbial cell membranes, increasing cell membrane permeability and causing leakage of intracellular substances, leading to microbial inactivation or death. Unlike traditional heat or chemical sterilization, PEMF antibacterial action is a physical method that does not generate heat or introduce chemical residues, making it particularly suitable for heat-sensitive or chemically sensitive medical materials.

[0024] It should be noted that the PEMF pulsed magnetic field parameters used in this device (frequency 0.5~10Hz, magnetic field strength 5~50mT) are low-frequency, low-intensity pulsed magnetic fields, which comply with the electromagnetic field exposure safety guidelines formulated by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. They have no known adverse effects on humans and animals and can be safely used for the processing of materials that come into direct contact with the human body, such as medical liquid food and enteral nutrition preparations.

[0025] Furthermore, the PEMF pulsed magnetic field generating module 80, the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208, and the graded heating module 70 work together to form a triple antibacterial system of "high temperature + UV + electromagnetic field". The synergistic mechanism is as follows: First step: PEMF pulsed magnetic field pretreatment (electromagnetic field antibacterial) During the cleaning or antibacterial process, the PEMF pulsed magnetic field generating module 80 is activated first. The generated low-frequency pulsed magnetic field penetrates the wall of the sealed cavity 20 and acts on the microorganisms on the inner wall of the cavity and in the residual liquid. The pulsed magnetic field increases cell membrane permeability by disrupting the cell membrane potential of microorganisms, thus significantly reducing their resistance. This pretreatment step weakens microorganisms that originally have a certain degree of heat resistance and UV resistance (such as some spore-forming bacteria), creating favorable conditions for subsequent high-temperature cleaning and UV disinfection. Second step: High-temperature water washing for inactivation (high-temperature antibacterial) High-temperature water washing is performed after or simultaneously with PEMF pretreatment. The staged heating module 70 heats the washing water to a high temperature range of 65℃ to 95℃, and the powerful flushing effect created by the high-speed rotation of the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 ensures that the high-temperature hot water fully contacts the inner wall of the chamber and the surface of the stirring structure 206. At this time, the microorganisms, which have become vulnerable after PEMF pretreatment, rapidly undergo protein denaturation and enzyme inactivation under the high temperature, and the vast majority of microorganisms are inactivated. Experiments show that under the condition of high-temperature water washing at 65℃ to 95℃ for 10 minutes, combined with PEMF pretreatment, the sterilization rate can reach over 99.99%. The third layer: UV ultraviolet rays completely kill bacteria (UV antibacterial properties). During high-temperature water washing, the high-speed rotation of the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 automatically illuminates the magnetically coupled power-generating UV disinfection module 208, producing 254nm wavelength UVC ultraviolet light. This wavelength of ultraviolet light can directly destroy the DNA / RNA structure of microorganisms, rendering them unable to replicate and reproduce. For the very few heat-resistant and electromagnetically resistant microorganisms that may remain after the first two treatments, the ultraviolet light can perform a final sterilization, ensuring complete eradication. Experiments show that, under the synergistic effect of the triple antibacterial system, the total number of colonies in the cavity can be reduced from 10... 4 ~10 5 CFU / cm 2 Reduced to 10 CFU / cm 2 The overall sterilization rate can reach over 99.999%, meeting the requirements for medical-grade sterility.

[0026] To verify the antibacterial effect of the synergistic effect of PEMF pulsed magnetic field, high-temperature water washing, and UV irradiation in this invention, the following experimental conditions were used: the test bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, with an initial total colony count of approximately 1.0 × 10⁻⁶. 5 CFU / cm², high-temperature water washing temperature is 85℃, UV irradiation wavelength is 254nm and power is 2W, PEMF parameters are frequency 2Hz, magnetic field strength 20mT, square wave, duty cycle 30%, and processing time is 10 minutes. Table 1. Comparison of bactericidal rates when different antibacterial methods are used alone and in combination:

[0027] Table 2 Comparison of bactericidal effects under different PEMF parameters

[0028] Table 3. Sterilization effect of high-temperature water washing and PEMF+UV synergistic effect at different temperatures

[0029] Table 4 Comparison of sterilization effects under different treatment times (85℃ high-temperature water washing + 2Hz / 20mT PEMF + 2W UV)

[0030] The experimental results are shown in Tables 1 to 4. Table 1 shows that the high-temperature water washing + UV + PEMF triple antibacterial system used in this invention achieved a sterilization rate of over 99.999% for all tested bacterial species, significantly higher than the sterilization effect of any single method or combination of two methods. Table 2 shows that the optimal synergistic sterilization effect was obtained under the parameter combination of 2Hz frequency, 20mT magnetic field strength, square wave, and 30% duty cycle. Table 3 shows that the triple synergistic system exhibited the best sterilization effect under 85℃ high-temperature water washing conditions. Table 4 shows that the triple synergistic system achieved a sterilization rate of ≥99.999% after a treatment time of 10 minutes. The above experimental data fully demonstrate that there is a significant synergistic effect between the PEMF pulsed magnetic field, high-temperature water washing, and UV irradiation in this invention, with the overall sterilization effect far exceeding the sum of the effects of using each module individually.

[0031] Furthermore, conventional hygiene standards typically require a sterilization rate of 99.9% to 99.99%, while medical-grade sterility standards require a sterilization rate of over 99.999%. This invention, through the synergistic effect of PEMF pulsed magnetic field, high-temperature water washing, and ultraviolet irradiation in a specific temporal sequence of "PEMF → high temperature → UV," unexpectedly elevates the overall sterilization rate to over 99.999%. This is not a simple numerical accumulation or linear superposition, but rather a qualitative leap from "commercial sterility" to "medical-grade sterility." Materials treated with this invention can directly meet the hygiene standards of medical settings with extremely stringent sterility requirements, such as enteral nutrition preparations, special medical purpose formula foods, and medical liquid diets.

[0032] In one embodiment, an ultrasonic cleaning module can be added to the bottom of the sealed cavity shell. Since this device has a material storage function, the prepared materials can be stored in the cavity for a relatively long time. High-protein and high-starch nutrients tend to lose water and solidify during this process, forming hardened lumps and highly adhesive scale in the cavity walls, the base of the stirring blade, sealing gaps, and corners. Conventional circulating water rinsing may not completely remove the solidified residue, and UV sterilization also lacks the ability to remove hard scale. Therefore, an ultrasonic cleaning module is added, activated only during self-cleaning mode. It utilizes the ultrasonic cavitation effect to generate micro-jet impacts, specifically removing hardened lumps and stubborn adhesive scale from various corners. Combined with water rinsing and UV sterilization, it achieves full-dimensional self-cleaning, solving the problems of hardened residue, incomplete cleaning, and bacterial growth caused by long-term material storage. Therefore, the functional structure of this invention can be arbitrarily combined.

[0033] Vacuum module 30, including vacuum pump 30, is connected to sealed cavity 20 through air pipe 40 and is used to evacuate sealed cavity 20 to a micro-vacuum state.

[0034] Vacuum pump 30 can be a miniature diaphragm vacuum pump or a miniature rotary vane vacuum pump, featuring small size, light weight, low noise, and low power consumption, making it suitable for integration into this device. The ultimate vacuum of vacuum pump 30 can reach below -0.09 MPa, and the pumping rate is designed to match the volume of the sealed cavity 20, typically 2–10 liters / minute. In practical applications, vacuum pump 30 does not need to evacuate the cavity to its ultimate vacuum, but rather to evacuate and maintain the cavity within a micro-vacuum range of -0.02 MPa to -0.08 MPa, depending on the application scenario. This micro-vacuum state plays multiple roles in this device, specifically including: 1) Inhibits bubble formation: During material preparation, the micro-vacuum environment causes dissolved gases in the liquid to precipitate and be removed, reducing the bubble content in the material. This results in a finer, more uniform liquid food, homogenate, etc., with no bubble residue, and a better appearance and taste. 2) Inhibits bacterial growth: The micro-vacuum environment removes most of the oxygen from the sealed cavity 20, and oxygen is a necessary condition for the growth and reproduction of most aerobic microorganisms (such as molds and spoilage bacteria). In an oxygen-deficient environment, the growth of aerobic bacteria is significantly inhibited, thereby extending the sterile shelf life of the material. 3) Assists in material preservation: During material storage, the micro-vacuum environment reduces the contact between the material and oxygen, slows down the oxidation rate of the material, and delays deterioration processes such as fat oxidation and vitamin loss, helping to maintain the freshness and nutritional value of the material. 4) Enhances high-temperature cleaning effect: During the self-cleaning process, the micro-vacuum environment helps hot water penetrate more fully into the tiny gaps in the inner wall of the cavity, improving the thoroughness of cleaning.

[0035] The gas pipe 40 is a food-grade vacuum-resistant flexible or rigid tube, and its connections to the sealed cavity 20 and vacuum pump 30 are all sealed joints to ensure the airtightness of the entire vacuum piping system. The static seal leakage rate of this device is controlled to ≤10%. - 5 The leakage rate is within Pa·m³ / s, far lower than that of dynamic sealing structures in traditional equipment, ensuring the long-term stability of the micro-vacuum state.

[0036] Furthermore, the vacuum module 30 works in conjunction with the intelligent control module: the intelligent control module monitors the pressure inside the sealed cavity 20 in real time through a built-in pressure sensor. When the pressure rises back to the set upper limit threshold, it automatically starts the vacuum pump 30 to perform supplementary evacuation, reducing the pressure back to the set lower limit threshold. This cycle repeats continuously, ensuring that the cavity is maintained stably within the required micro-vacuum range over a long period. This function is particularly important during material storage, ensuring that the preservation effect is not affected by natural leakage.

[0037] Furthermore, the pressure sensor built into the intelligent control module has a measurement accuracy of ±0.5%. The start-up and stop-down thresholds of the vacuum pump 30 can be customized by the user or automatically optimized by the intelligent control module according to the usage scenario. For example, in the material storage and preservation mode, the start-up threshold can be set to -0.03MPa and the stop-down threshold to -0.07MPa; in the equipment standby preservation mode, the start-up threshold can be set to -0.02MPa and the stop-down threshold to -0.08MPa. Through differentiated threshold settings, an optimal balance can be achieved between preservation effect and energy consumption.

[0038] The graded heating module 70 is used for heating, high-temperature cleaning and constant-temperature drying of materials in the sealed cavity 20. The graded heating module 70 is a heating tube or PTC heater with temperature control. The graded heating module 70 is integrated with the cooling module 60. The high-temperature cleaning temperature range is 65℃~95℃, and the drying constant temperature range is 40℃~65℃.

[0039] Specifically, the graded heating module 70 can use one of the following two heating elements: 1) Temperature-controlled heating element: Utilizing a stainless steel electric heating element with a built-in temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple or thermistor), it monitors the heating element's temperature in real time and adjusts it via a closed-loop temperature control circuit. This heating element offers advantages such as high heating power, rapid heating, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for commercial or large-capacity applications. 2) PTC heater: Employing a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor ceramic heating element, it features self-limiting temperature characteristics—when the temperature rises above the Curie point, the PTC element's resistance increases sharply, automatically reducing the heating power and thus achieving self-temperature limitation, preventing overheating. PTC heaters offer advantages such as high safety, no need for additional temperature control circuitry, and long service life, making them suitable for portable or home applications.

[0040] The "grading" of the graded heating module 70 is reflected in its ability to provide heating functions within different temperature ranges according to the needs of different working stages. When users need to prepare warm materials (such as warm liquid food or hot drinks), the graded heating module 70 heats the materials to a suitable edible temperature, typically 37℃~55℃. This temperature range ensures the warm taste of the materials without destroying nutrients or causing burns due to excessively high temperatures. The "grading" of the graded heating module 70 is also reflected in the graded control of heating power. The intelligent control module automatically selects different heating power levels according to different heating stages: in the preheating stage, full-power heating (such as full power of the PTC heater or full power of the heating element) is used to quickly raise the temperature to the target temperature; in the constant temperature stage, low-power intermittent heating or PID regulation is used to maintain temperature stability; in the drying stage, medium-low power continuous heating is used to gently evaporate moisture. Through graded power control, heating efficiency is ensured while avoiding temperature overshoot and energy waste.

[0041] In self-cleaning mode, the graded heating module 70 heats the cleaning water to a high temperature range of 65℃ to 95℃. The high-temperature hot water effectively dissolves and removes organic residues such as grease, protein, and starch adhering to the inner wall of the chamber and the surface of the stirring structure. Simultaneously, the high temperature itself has a bactericidal effect. Specifically: in the 65℃ to 75℃ temperature range, most non-spore-forming bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) are inactivated within minutes; in the 75℃ to 85℃ temperature range, the inactivation rate is significantly accelerated, and the ability to dissolve grease is enhanced; in the 85℃ to 95℃ temperature range, some heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria also begin to inactivate, and the high-temperature hot water has the best effect on removing stubborn dirt.

[0042] After cleaning and drainage, the staged heating module 70 maintains the cavity temperature within a constant range of 40℃ to 65℃, continuously heating to evaporate any remaining moisture and achieve deep drying. This drying temperature of 40℃ to 65℃ effectively evaporates moisture without causing thermal damage to non-metallic components such as seals and wires due to excessive heat. Simultaneously, the residual heat during the constant-temperature drying process helps inhibit bacterial growth, as most microorganisms struggle to grow and reproduce in a dry environment.

[0043] It should be noted that if only the staged heating module 70 is activated without the vacuum module 30, drying must be carried out at atmospheric pressure. Since water boils at 100℃, the cavity needs to be heated to above 85℃ for effective drying. High-temperature drying will accelerate the aging of non-metallic components such as sealing rings and wire sheaths, shortening the equipment's lifespan. Secondly, if only the vacuum module 30 is activated without the staged heating module 70, although the micro-vacuum state allows a small amount of moisture to evaporate naturally, the evaporation rate is extremely slow, making it impossible to dry the cavity within a reasonable time. Furthermore, residual moisture at low temperatures can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Finally, only when the vacuum module 30 and the staged heating module 70 operate simultaneously, utilizing the physical property of water's lower boiling point under micro-vacuum (water's boiling point drops to 82.5℃ at -0.05MPa), can rapid and thorough drying be achieved at a low temperature of 65℃. This effect cannot be achieved by using either the vacuum module 30 or the heating module 70 alone.

[0044] Alternatively, there is a physical hard linkage between the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 and the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 of this invention. This module utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction, generating electricity from the alternating magnetic field produced by the motor's rotation to power the UV-LED. The magnitude of the induced electromotive force is proportional to the motor's rotational speed. This invention designs the number of turns of the induction coil, the number of magnetic pole pairs, and the operating voltage threshold of the UV-LED so that when the motor operates in low-speed preparation mode, the induced electromotive force is lower than the UV-LED's lighting threshold, and the UV automatically turns off; when the motor switches to high-speed cleaning mode, the induced electromotive force reaches the threshold, and the UV automatically lights up. The lighting and extinguishing of the UV is not determined by an independent controller or sensor, but by the motor's rotational speed. If the magnetic coupling power generation module is removed, additional power supply lines and electronic switches are required; if the high / low speed difference function of the dual-mode speed-regulating motor is removed, the distinction between low and high speeds cannot be established, the UV linkage logic fails, and the lighting and extinguishing of the UV disinfection module are physically coupled with the motor's rotational speed using the principle of electromagnetic induction. This design eliminates the need for a speed sensor, electronic controller, and power supply lines required in conventional solutions, thereby avoiding the risk of electronic component failure in high-temperature and high-humidity cleaning environments, significantly improving system reliability, and reducing manufacturing costs. Therefore, there is a physical coupling relationship between the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 and the magnetically coupled power-generating UV disinfection module 208, where the motor acts as both a "speed provider" and a "power generator." Both are indispensable for achieving the automatic mode matching function of "no sterilization at low speeds and sterilization only at high speeds."

[0045] Furthermore, the graded heating module 70 and the cooling module 60 are integrated within the same device, sharing the same sealed cavity 20, but achieving separation and synergy of heating and cooling functions through thermal insulation design and independent temperature control. Specifically: Thermal insulation design: A thermal insulation layer is set between the evaporator of the refrigeration module 60 and the heating element of the staged heating module 70 to reduce heat exchange between the two, avoid the residual heat of the heating element affecting the cooling effect during cooling, and also avoid the cooling energy of the refrigeration element consuming heating power during heating. Independent temperature control: The intelligent control module separately controls the operating status of the cooling module 60 and the staged heating module 70, ensuring that neither operates at maximum power simultaneously, thus avoiding energy waste caused by conflicting heating and cooling. For example, when heating is needed, the intelligent control module will pause the operation of the cooling module or switch it to a low-power standby state; and vice versa. Collaborative operation: During self-cleaning, the tiered heating module 70 generates high-temperature hot water, while the cooling module 60 remains off; during material storage and preservation, the cooling module 60 maintains a low temperature, while the tiered heating module 70 remains off; when one-button reheating is required, the tiered heating module 70 activates, and the cooling module 60 deactivates. Through the coordination of the intelligent control module, seamless switching between heating and cooling functions is achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, the temperature sensor (accuracy ±0.5℃) built into the graded heating module 70 forms a closed-loop temperature control system with the intelligent control module. Based on the real-time temperature feedback from the sensor, the intelligent control module precisely adjusts the heating power using a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) algorithm, ensuring the temperature remains stable within ±1℃ of the set value. Simultaneously, the graded heating module 70 is equipped with multiple safety protection measures: when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature exceeds the safety upper limit (e.g., 110℃), the intelligent control module automatically cuts off the heating power to prevent dry burning or overheating that could lead to safety accidents; the PTC heater solution also features self-limiting temperature characteristics, further enhancing safety.

[0047] To verify the drying effect of the vacuum module and the staged heating module working together in this invention, the following experimental conditions were used for testing: the sealed cavity had a volume of 2L, was initially filled with 100ml of clean water, and was drained after cleaning. The drying time, energy consumption, and drying effect were tested at different vacuum levels and different drying temperatures. Table 1. Comparison of drying effects under different vacuum levels

[0048] Table 2. Changes in boiling point of water under different vacuum levels (theoretical values)

[0049] Table 3 Performance Comparison of Vacuum-Assisted Drying and Atmospheric Pressure Drying

[0050] Table 4. Optimal combination of vacuum degree and drying temperature

[0051] The experimental results are shown in Tables 1 to 4. Table 1 shows that under a micro-vacuum of -0.05 MPa, a drying temperature of 65℃ can achieve the drying effect of 85℃ under normal pressure, with a 18% reduction in drying time and a 42% reduction in energy consumption. Under a high vacuum of -0.08 MPa, the drying time at 65℃ is further reduced to 14 minutes, with a 52% reduction in energy consumption. Table 2 presents the theoretical values ​​of the boiling point change of water under different vacuum degrees, indicating that the decrease in the boiling point of water under vacuum conditions is the physical basis for the improved drying efficiency. Table 3 compares the comprehensive performance of vacuum-assisted drying and normal pressure drying, showing that vacuum-assisted drying has significant advantages in terms of drying time, energy consumption, equipment protection, and sterilization effect. Table 4 presents the optimal combination of vacuum degree and drying temperature for different application scenarios.

[0052] The above experimental data fully demonstrates that the synergistic operation of the vacuum module and the staged heating module in this invention achieves low-temperature, high-efficiency drying by lowering the boiling point of water, significantly shortening drying time, reducing energy consumption, extending equipment lifespan, and improving the sterility level of the cavity. Furthermore, through the synergistic operation of the vacuum module 30 and the staged heating module 70, the physical property of lower boiling point of water under micro-vacuum conditions is utilized to achieve rapid drying at a low temperature of 65℃. Compared with traditional high-temperature drying solutions above 85℃, the low-temperature drying method of this invention significantly reduces thermal damage to non-metallic components such as sealing rings and wire sheaths, extending the service life of the equipment.

[0053] Furthermore, conventional material handling equipment requires materials to be transferred to other containers for storage after preparation, a process that easily introduces secondary contamination. This invention, through an intelligent control module that coordinates the vacuum, refrigeration, and staged heating modules, unexpectedly achieves a closed-loop process within a single sealed chamber: "aseptic preparation → vacuum low-temperature preservation → one-click rewarming to edible temperature." From preparation to final consumption, the material remains in the same sealed, aseptic environment, eliminating any intermediate transfer operations and the risk of secondary contamination. This "zero-transfer" operating mode is not a simple aggregation of module functions, but rather a novel system-level function emerging under specific control logic.

[0054] The intelligent control module monitors and maintains the micro-vacuum state and chamber temperature in real time. During material storage, it maintains a micro-vacuum and low temperature for an extended period, ensuring in-situ preservation. This also isolates oxygen to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce secondary contamination during material transfer. When the material is reused after storage, the module automatically returns it to the set temperature with a single button press. After equipment cleaning, the module maintains a micro-vacuum state for an extended period to isolate oxygen and inhibit bacterial growth. Furthermore, the module features vacuum monitoring capabilities, allowing for real-time extraction to maintain the vacuum state.

[0055] Specifically, the intelligent control module is electrically connected to the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200, vacuum pump 30, refrigeration module 60, staged heating module 70, and PEMF pulsed magnetic field generator module 80, forming a closed-loop control system. The intelligent control module incorporates a microprocessor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and storage unit, enabling it to collect real-time temperature and pressure data within the sealed cavity 20. Based on preset control strategies or user-defined parameters, it automatically adjusts the operating status of each actuator to achieve precise monitoring and maintenance of the micro-vacuum state and cavity temperature. After material preparation, if the user does not immediately remove the material, the intelligent control module can automatically or according to user instructions enter a storage and preservation mode. In this mode, the intelligent control module performs the following operations: 1) The intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump 30 to evacuate the sealed cavity 20 to and maintain it in a micro-vacuum state (usually -0.02MPa to -0.08MPa). The role of the micro-vacuum environment is: on the one hand, the vacuum state removes oxygen from the cavity, and oxygen is a necessary condition for the growth and reproduction of most aerobic microorganisms (such as molds and putrefactive bacteria). The hypoxic environment can effectively inhibit the activity and reproduction of these microorganisms; on the other hand, the vacuum environment reduces the contact between the material and oxygen, reduces the oxidation rate of the material, and thus slows down the deterioration process of the material. By maintaining the micro-vacuum state, the prepared material can be stored in place in the sealed cavity (20) without being transferred to other containers, avoiding secondary pollution that may be introduced by the transfer operation; 2) The intelligent control module controls the refrigeration module 60 to maintain the temperature in the sealed cavity 20 in the set low temperature range (usually 2℃ to 8℃). The low temperature environment can significantly reduce the metabolic activity rate of microorganisms, inhibit the reproduction of bacteria, and also help maintain the freshness and nutritional components of the material. For materials with high freshness requirements, such as medical liquid diets and enteral nutrition preparations, low-temperature storage is a key means to extend shelf life; 3) Through the dual effects of micro-vacuum and low temperature, the intelligent control module realizes a preservation mechanism of "oxygen isolation + low-temperature inhibition" during material storage. Micro-vacuum removes oxygen, preventing the growth of aerobic bacteria; low temperature reduces the metabolic rate of microorganisms, inhibiting the activity of facultative anaerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. The synergistic effect of the two significantly extends the shelf life of the materials. Experiments show that under micro-vacuum storage conditions of 2℃~8℃ and -0.05MPa, the shelf life of medical liquid diets can be extended from 24 hours of conventional refrigeration to more than 72 hours; 4) After preparation, traditional material processing equipment usually requires users to remove the materials from the equipment and transfer them to other containers for storage. During this transfer process, the materials are exposed to a non-sterile environment and are easily contaminated by bacteria, dust, etc. in the air, and the transfer containers themselves may also pose hygiene risks. The invention utilizes an intelligent control module to achieve "in-situ storage," enabling material preparation, storage, and preservation to be completed within the same sealed cavity 20. This avoids the risk of secondary contamination caused by transfer and is particularly suitable for medical applications where sterility requirements are extremely high.

[0056] When materials are reused after storage, users only need to trigger the "one-click reheat" command via the control panel or remote control, and the intelligent control module will automatically execute the following reheat process: First, the intelligent control module opens the pressure relief valve 50, releasing the vacuum in the sealed cavity 20 and restoring normal pressure. Then, the intelligent control module activates the staged heating module 70, gradually raising the material temperature to the set consumption temperature (e.g., 37℃~45℃, close to body temperature) at a gentle heating rate (typically 1℃~3℃ / minute). Throughout the warming process, the intelligent control module monitors the material temperature in real time and precisely controls the heating power through a closed-loop control algorithm, preventing localized overheating that could damage nutrients or cause burns. Once the material temperature reaches the set value, the intelligent control module automatically switches to a constant temperature maintenance state and issues a notification signal to the user that it is safe to open the lid and consume the food. The advantages of this one-button warming function are: users do not need to manually adjust heating parameters or transfer the material to other heating equipment; it is simple, safe, and reliable. Simultaneously, the gentle heating method maximizes the preservation of heat-sensitive nutrients in the material, making it particularly suitable for medical liquid foods that require feeding via nasogastric tubes (which typically need to be heated to near body temperature).

[0057] After the equipment completes its self-cleaning process and drains water, the intelligent control module can automatically or according to user instructions enter the "standby preservation mode." In this mode, the intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump 30 to evacuate the sealed chamber 20 to a micro-vacuum state and maintain this vacuum state for an extended period (up to 72 hours). The advantages of this design are: the vacuum state isolates oxygen and bacteria from the air, preventing mold or bacteria from growing on the inner wall of the chamber in a humid environment; at the same time, since there is no residual oxygen in the chamber, even a small amount of residual moisture will not become a breeding ground for microorganisms. When the equipment is not used for a long time, users do not need to worry about odors or bacterial growth in the chamber; the next time it is used, simply release the vacuum and add materials directly without the need for re-cleaning.

[0058] The intelligent control module also features vacuum monitoring. Specifically, it monitors the pressure within the sealed cavity 20 in real time using a built-in pressure sensor. Since absolute sealing is difficult to achieve in engineering practice, any sealing structure has a certain leakage rate (the static seal leakage rate of this invention is ≤10%). -5 (Pa·m³ / s). When the intelligent control module detects that the cavity pressure has risen back to the set upper limit threshold (e.g., -0.02MPa) due to natural leakage, it will automatically start the vacuum pump 30 to perform supplementary evacuation, reducing the pressure back to the set lower limit threshold (e.g., -0.08MPa). This cycle repeats to ensure that the cavity is stably maintained within the required micro-vacuum range over a long period. This function is particularly important for the long-term storage of materials, ensuring that the preservation effect is not affected by leakage.

[0059] It also includes a refrigeration module 60, which is a semiconductor refrigeration component or a compressor refrigeration system. The refrigeration end of the refrigeration module 60 is thermally coupled to the sealed cavity 20 through thermal conduction, and is used to cool down the material inside the cavity. It also includes a pressure relief valve 50, which is a manual or electric composite structure. After the vacuum operation is completed, it is used to quickly balance the air pressure inside and outside the cavity to ensure the safety of opening the lid.

[0060] Furthermore, the refrigeration module 60 is a semiconductor refrigeration component or a compressor refrigeration system. Its refrigeration end is thermally coupled to the sealed cavity 20 through thermal conduction, and is used to cool down the materials inside the cavity.

[0061] When using semiconductor refrigeration components, the cold end of the refrigeration chip is attached to the outer wall of the sealed cavity 20, transferring heat from the cavity to the hot end via thermal conduction. The hot end is equipped with a forced air cooling structure. The advantages of this solution are: no moving parts, no vibration or noise, compact structure, light weight, and high reliability. It is particularly suitable for portable, automotive, or noise-sensitive scenarios (such as hospital wards and nursing homes). The refrigeration temperature range is typically 0℃ to 10℃, meeting the refrigeration needs of medical liquid foods and nutritional preparations. When using a compressor refrigeration system, the evaporator fully covers the outer wall of the sealed cavity 20, resulting in a large heat exchange area and rapid cooling rate, supporting large-capacity refrigeration needs. The advantages of this solution are: high cooling power, fast cooling speed, and wide temperature control range (down to below -20℃), making it particularly suitable for commercial scenarios, central kitchens, or scenarios requiring large-scale material storage. By designing the cooling module 60 as an interchangeable modular structure, this invention achieves flexible adaptation of the same core device to different scenarios: users can choose between semiconductor cooling components (portable, quiet, low-cost) or compressor cooling systems (high power, rapid cooling, wide temperature range) according to their actual needs, without changing the main structure of the device. This design significantly improves the product's versatility and market adaptability.

[0062] Furthermore, the pressure relief valve 50 is installed on the top or side wall of the sealed cavity 20 and communicates with the interior of the cavity. After vacuum operations are completed (such as after material preparation, storage and preservation, or self-cleaning), the user needs to open the sealing cover to remove materials or perform other operations. At this time, due to the micro-vacuum state inside the cavity, the pressure difference between the inside and outside makes it difficult to open the sealing cover. The function of the pressure relief valve 50 is: when the user triggers the opening command, the pressure relief valve 50 opens automatically or manually, allowing external air to enter the cavity, quickly balancing the pressure inside and outside the cavity, and making the sealing cover easy to open. The electric composite pressure relief valve can be controlled by an intelligent control module to achieve one-button automatic pressure relief, further improving the convenience of operation.

[0063] It also includes an optional battery pack, which can be built-in or external, serving as a backup power source for convenient use during temporary power outages or in outdoor scenarios. The optional battery pack has a built-in battery management system with overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, overcurrent protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature protection. When the battery pack's charge level drops below 10%, the intelligent control module will automatically issue an audible and visual alarm and prioritize vacuum maintenance (reducing power consumption of other modules) to ensure that material preservation is not affected. The battery pack supports a charge-while-use mode, meaning that when connected to mains power, the device is powered by mains power while simultaneously charging the battery pack, without affecting normal device operation. In commercial scenarios powered by mains power, if a temporary power outage occurs, the intelligent control module will automatically detect the mains power interruption and immediately switch to battery power mode. The battery pack can maintain the basic operation of the vacuum pump 30, the refrigeration module 60, and the intelligent control module, ensuring that the micro-vacuum and low-temperature state within the sealed cavity 20 is maintained, preventing material deterioration due to power outages. Once mains power is restored, the intelligent control module automatically switches back to mains power mode and charges the battery pack. In outdoor or mobile scenarios (such as field medical rescue, vehicle transport, or family outings), there may be no mains power outlet available. In this case, users can rely on the built-in or external battery pack to power the equipment for material preparation, storage, and preservation. The battery pack capacity is typically designed to support continuous operation for 4–8 hours, sufficient for single preparation and short-term storage needs. For scenarios requiring extended outdoor use, users can opt for a larger capacity external battery pack.

[0064] Furthermore, the intelligent control module also features battery power management: when the battery level is detected to be below a safe threshold, the intelligent control module automatically reduces the power consumption of non-essential functions (such as reducing the PEMF pulse frequency and extending the vacuum replenishment interval) to extend battery life and ensure the continuous operation of core functions (vacuum maintenance, cryogenic preservation). When the battery level is too low, the intelligent control module will issue a low battery alarm to remind the user to charge the battery or connect an external power source in time.

[0065] A sterile material handling device and its operating method include the following steps: S1. Material input: Add the material to be processed into the sealed cavity 20; S2. Vacuuming process: The intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump 30 to start, and the sealed cavity 20 is evacuated to a slightly negative pressure state through the air pipe 40. S3. Temperature adjustment: The intelligent control module controls the refrigeration module 60 or the staged heating module 70 to adjust to the set temperature according to the material requirements. S4, Low-speed preparation mode: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 to run at low speed and high torque. The stirring structure 206 gently stirs and crushes the material. The PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module 80 performs non-contact antibacterial treatment on the material. The magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 does not light up due to low speed and insufficient conversion of electrical energy. S5. Discharge Material: Remove the material after preparation is complete; S6. Inject cleaning water: Inject clean water into the sealed cavity 20; S7. High-speed cleaning and UV disinfection: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 to run at high speed, driving the stirring structure 206 to rotate at high speed to form a rinsing effect. At the same time, the magnetic coupling power generation meets the working voltage of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208. The UV is automatically lit to disinfect the cavity with ultraviolet light. The graded heating module 70 heats up to the high temperature range to achieve high-temperature water washing. S8. Constant Temperature Drying: After drainage, the intelligent control module controls the graded heating module to continuously dry at a constant temperature of 70°C. S9. Determine if cleaning is needed again. If so, return to S6; otherwise, end.

[0066] Working principle: The user first adds the material to be processed (such as medical liquid food, enteral nutrition preparations, homogenized diets, or smoothies) into a fully enclosed container formed by the sealed cavity 20, and sets the required working mode through the intelligent control module. After the equipment is started, the vacuum module 30 evacuates the sealed cavity 20 to a micro-vacuum state through the air pipe 40. The micro-vacuum environment removes oxygen from the cavity to inhibit the growth of aerobic microorganisms, and also causes dissolved gases in the liquid to precipitate out, reducing the bubble content in the material and making the prepared material more delicate and uniform. Subsequently, the intelligent control module controls the cooling module 60 or the staged heating module 7 according to the material requirements. 0. Adjust the cavity temperature to the set value; during the material preparation stage, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 operates at low speed and high torque, driving the magnetic levitation stirring structure 206 to rotate without contact via the magnetic coupling transmission device, gently crushing and uniformly stirring the material. Due to the low speed, high temperature is not generated during stirring due to high-speed friction, thus effectively protecting the heat-sensitive nutrients (such as proteins, vitamins, probiotics, etc.) in the material. At the same time, under low-speed operation conditions, the magnetic field alternation frequency generated by the magnetic coupling transmission device is low, and the induced electromotive force generated in the induction coil of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208 is small, which cannot achieve UV disinfection. The LED's operating voltage threshold ensures that the UV disinfection module 208 remains off, preventing unnecessary UV irradiation of the materials. During material preparation, the external PEMF pulsed magnetic field generator 80 operates continuously. This magnetic field penetrates the wall of the sealed cavity 20 and acts on the materials. On one hand, it breaks the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, causing water molecule clusters to dissociate from large clusters into smaller clusters, thereby improving the permeability and solubility of the materials. This results in more delicate and uniform liquid foods, homogenates, and other materials with better taste. On the other hand, it disrupts the electrochemical potential of microbial cell membranes, increasing cell membrane permeability and reducing microbial resistance, creating conditions for subsequent sterilization. After material preparation is complete, users can remove the materials for direct use, or the intelligent control module can automatically enter the storage and preservation mode. In this mode, the intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump 30 to maintain a micro-vacuum state, while controlling the refrigeration module 60 to maintain the cavity temperature in a low-temperature range of 2℃ to 8℃. Through the dual mechanism of "oxygen isolation + low-temperature inhibition", the shelf life of the material is significantly extended, and the material does not need to be transferred to other containers, avoiding secondary contamination that may be introduced by the transfer operation. When the stored material needs to be used again, the user only needs to trigger the "one-click reheating" command. The intelligent control module first controls the pressure relief valve 50 to open to balance the air pressure inside and outside the cavity, and then controls the staged heating module 70 to gradually raise the temperature of the material to the set eating temperature at a gentle heating rate. During the entire reheating process, the heating power is precisely controlled through a closed-loop control algorithm to avoid local overheating that may damage nutrients or cause burns.When cleaning is required, the user activates the self-cleaning program. The intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump 30 to evacuate the cavity to a micro-vacuum state, and then controls the staged heating module 70 to heat the cleaning water to a high temperature range of 65℃~95℃. Simultaneously, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor 200 switches to high-speed operation mode, driving the stirring structure 206 to rotate at high speed to create a powerful scouring effect. Combined with the high-temperature hot water, it effectively peels off and removes dirt, grease, and organic residues attached to the inner wall of the cavity and the surface of the stirring structure. During the high-speed rotation, the alternating frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic coupling transmission device increases significantly. Sufficient induced electromotive force is generated in the induction coil of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module 208. After rectification and filtering, the UV LED is automatically lit to perform real-time ultraviolet disinfection of the cavity, realizing the simultaneous high-temperature water washing and ultraviolet sterilization. During this process, the PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module 80 also works continuously. The pulse magnetic field it generates first disrupts the cell membrane potential of microorganisms, reducing their resistance. The high-temperature water washing of the staged heating module 70 denatures and inactivates the microbial proteins. The ultraviolet light from the LED completely destroys the DNA / RNA structure of residual microorganisms. These three elements form a triple synergistic antibacterial system: PEMF pretreatment → high-temperature inactivation → UV complete sterilization, achieving an overall sterilization rate of over 99.999%, meeting medical-grade sterilization requirements. After cleaning, the drain automatically opens to discharge wastewater. Subsequently, the intelligent control module controls the graded heating module 70 to maintain the cavity temperature within a constant range for vacuum-assisted drying. The micro-vacuum environment lowers the boiling point of water, allowing residual moisture to evaporate at a lower temperature. This reduces drying time by approximately 18% compared to normal pressure conditions and lowers energy consumption by approximately 42%. After completion, the intelligent control module can automatically enter standby preservation mode, maintaining a micro-vacuum state for an extended period to isolate oxygen and inhibit bacterial growth, ensuring that no odor or bacterial growth occurs inside the cavity when the equipment is not used for a long time. In addition, the equipment is equipped with an optional battery pack. In the event of a temporary power outage or outdoor use, the intelligent control module automatically switches to battery power to maintain the basic operation of the vacuum pump 30, the refrigeration module 60, and the intelligent control module, ensuring that material preservation is not affected. Simultaneously, the intelligent control module has a battery power management function, automatically reducing the power consumption of non-essential functions to extend battery life when the battery level is below a safe threshold. Thus, this invention, through the synergistic effect of technologies such as magnetic levitation stirring, dual-mode speed regulation, magnetically coupled self-powered UV, PEMF triple antibacterial, vacuum-assisted drying, intelligent storage and preservation, and one-key reheating, achieves integrated operation throughout the entire process from material preparation, aseptic processing, storage and preservation to self-cleaning. It is particularly suitable for scenarios with high requirements for asepticity, nutrient retention, and shelf life, such as medical liquid diets, enteral nutrition preparations, homogenized diets, and special medical purpose formula foods.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A sterile material handling device, characterized in that, include: Base (10); A sealed cavity (20) configured to create a vacuum environment; A stirring structure (206) is provided inside the sealed cavity (20), and the stirring structure (206) is a magnetic levitation stirring structure; The magnetic coupling transmission device includes an outer magnetic drive component (202) and an inner magnetic drive component (204), and the magnetic coupling transmission device is used to drive the stirring structure (206) to achieve contactless sealed transmission; An external PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module (80) is located on the outside of the outer shell of the sealed cavity (20) and is used to perform non-contact antibacterial treatment on the material inside the cavity and improve the fineness of the material. A dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) is connected to the external magnetic drive (202), and the dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) has a low-speed material preparation mode and a high-speed cleaning mode; The magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208) is located in the cavity of the stirring structure (206). It is powered by at least one of the following: magnetic coupling induction power generation or direct power supply when the dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) is running at high speed; and the UV disinfection module is only lit in the high-speed cleaning mode. Vacuum module (30), the vacuum module (30) includes a vacuum pump (30), which is connected to the sealed cavity (20) through a gas pipe (40) and is used to evacuate the sealed cavity (20) to a micro-vacuum state; The graded heating module (70) is used to heat, clean at high temperature and dry at constant temperature the material in the sealed cavity (20); The intelligent control module is used to monitor and maintain the micro-vacuum state and cavity temperature in real time. During the material storage process, the intelligent control module maintains the micro-vacuum and low temperature state for a long time to achieve in-situ preservation of materials. Thus, the sealed cavity (20) remains sealed after the material preparation is completed. The intelligent control module controls the vacuum module (30) to maintain the micro-vacuum state inside the sealed cavity (20) and controls the refrigeration module (60) to maintain the low temperature state inside the sealed cavity (20), so that the material can be stored in place inside the sealed cavity (20).

2. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module (80), together with the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208) and the graded heating module (70), forms a triple antibacterial system of "high temperature + UV + electromagnetic field". The pulse magnetic field generated by the PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module (80) first destroys the cell membrane potential of microorganisms, the high temperature water washing generated by the graded heating module (70) inactivates microorganisms, and the ultraviolet light generated by the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208) completely kills residual microorganisms. The three work together to achieve sterilization.

3. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent control module maintains a micro-vacuum and low temperature during material storage to isolate oxygen and inhibit bacterial growth, thereby reducing secondary contamination caused by material transfer. When the material is reused after storage, the intelligent control module can automatically return it to the set temperature with one click.

4. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the equipment is cleaned, the intelligent control module maintains a micro-vacuum state for an extended period to isolate oxygen and inhibit bacterial growth. The intelligent control module also has a vacuum monitoring function, which can extract fluid in real time to maintain the vacuum state.

5. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) operates at low speed in the material preparation mode to increase the output torque, thereby achieving gentle crushing and uniform mixing of the material and avoiding damage to nutrients due to high temperature generated by high-speed friction. In the cleaning mode, the dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) switches to high-speed operation to form a high-temperature scouring effect, while simultaneously meeting the lighting conditions of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208).

6. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a refrigeration module (60), which is a semiconductor refrigeration component or a compressor refrigeration system. The refrigeration end of the refrigeration module (60) is thermally coupled to the sealed cavity (20) through thermal conduction, and is used to cool down the material in the cavity.

7. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The graded heating module (70) is a heating tube or PTC heater with temperature control. The graded heating module (70) is integrated with the refrigeration module (60). The high-temperature cleaning temperature range is 65℃~95℃, and the drying constant temperature range is 40℃~65℃.

8. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure relief valve (50), which is a manual or electric composite structure, used to quickly balance the internal and external air pressure after the vacuum operation is completed, so as to ensure the safety of opening the cover.

9. The aseptic material handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an optional battery pack, which can be built-in or external, to serve as a backup power source for convenience during temporary power outages or outdoor use.

10. A method of operating the aseptic material handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Inputting materials: Add the materials to be processed into the sealed cavity (20). S2, Vacuuming process: The intelligent control module controls the vacuum pump (30) to start, and the sealed cavity (20) is evacuated to a slightly negative pressure state through the air pipe (40); S3. Temperature adjustment: According to the material requirements, the intelligent control module controls the refrigeration module (60) or the graded heating module (70) to adjust to the set temperature; S4, Low-speed preparation mode: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) to run at low speed and high torque, the stirring structure (206) gently stirs and crushes the material, the PEMF pulse magnetic field generating module (80) performs non-contact antibacterial treatment on the material, and the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208) does not light up due to low speed and insufficient conversion of electrical energy. S5. Discharge Material: Remove the material after preparation is complete; S6. Inject cleaning water: Inject clean water into the sealed cavity (20); S7. High-speed cleaning and UV disinfection: The intelligent control module controls the dual-mode speed-regulating motor (200) to run at high speed, driving the stirring structure (206) to rotate at high speed to form a rinsing effect. At the same time, the magnetic coupling power generation meets the working voltage of the magnetic coupling power generation UV disinfection module (208). The UV is automatically lit to disinfect the cavity with ultraviolet light. The graded heating module (70) heats up to the high temperature range to achieve high temperature water washing. S8. Constant temperature drying: After drainage, the intelligent control module controls the graded heating module (70) to continuously dry at a constant temperature; S9. Determine if cleaning is needed again. If so, return to S6; otherwise, end.

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