Electrode array defrosting device

Abstract

This application relates to an electrode array-type defrosting device, which includes a power supply unit, an electrode array unit, and an electrode plate unit. The electrode array unit and the electrode plate unit are spaced apart. The electrode array unit includes a conductive frame and electrode needles. Multiple electrode needles are spaced apart and installed on the conductive frame. The tips of the electrode needles face the electrode plate unit. The electrode array unit is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply unit, and the electrode plate unit is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is energized, the tips of the electrode needles can generate an ion wind flowing towards the electrode plate unit. The electrode array-type defrosting device provided by this application solves the problem of long defrosting time in existing defrosting methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thawing equipment technology, and in particular to an electrode array type thawing device. Background Technology

[0002] Current defrosting methods primarily rely on the combined effects of conductive heat exchange via metal heat-conducting plates and convective heat exchange via fans. However, this method can only effectively accelerate the exchange of cold energy on the surface of the food. For the migration of cold energy within the food, it still requires the thermal conductivity of the food material itself. Since food materials generally have low thermal conductivity, the overall defrosting process using existing technologies is time-consuming and can easily lead to food spoilage during the defrosting process. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrode array-type defrosting device to solve the problem of long defrosting time in existing defrosting methods.

[0004] The electrode array defrosting device provided in this application includes a power supply unit, an electrode array unit, and an electrode plate unit. The electrode array unit and the electrode plate unit are spaced apart. The electrode array unit includes a conductive frame and electrode needles. There are multiple electrode needles, which are spaced apart and installed on the conductive frame. The tips of the electrode needles are positioned towards the electrode plate unit. The electrode array unit is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply unit, and the electrode plate unit is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is energized, the tips of the electrode needles can generate an ion wind that flows towards the electrode plate unit.

[0005] In one embodiment, the conductive frame includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, and a plurality of electrode strips. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip are spaced apart. The two ends of each electrode strip are respectively connected to the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip. Adjacent electrode strips are spaced apart. Each electrode strip is equipped with a plurality of spaced electrode needles.

[0006] In one embodiment, the electrode strip has a plurality of spaced mounting holes along its length, and the tail of each electrode needle can be inserted into and mounted in any one of the mounting holes.

[0007] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the electrode needle and the inner wall of the mounting hole are tightly fitted, or the outer wall of the electrode needle and the inner wall of the mounting hole are movably threaded.

[0008] In one embodiment, in the array structure formed by the electrode needles, the spacing between adjacent electrode needles tends to increase along the direction from the center of the array structure to the edge of the array structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electrode array defrosting device further includes a controller and a temperature sensor. The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, which is used to detect the temperature between the electrode array and the electrode plate. The controller can adjust the output power of the power supply based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

[0010] In one embodiment, the distance A between the electrode array portion and the electrode plate portion satisfies 20cm≤A≤40cm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the electrode needle tip is less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the voltage range F of the power supply unit satisfies 10kV≤F≤100kV.

[0013] In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the electrode array defrosting device provided in this application generates a high-voltage electrostatic field between the electrode array and the electrode plate when the power supply is energized. Furthermore, the tips of the electrode needles exhibit a significant tip discharge effect due to the concentrated field strength, ionizing surrounding air molecules to form charged ions. These ions accelerate towards the electrode plate under the influence of the electric field, colliding with surrounding neutral gas molecules to form a directional ionic wind. This ionic wind flows from the tip of the electrode needle to the electrode plate, passing through the object being defrosted. The charged particles interact with water molecules on the object's surface and in its internal pores, promoting heat transfer and moisture migration. Simultaneously, the ionic wind drives charged particles to collide with the food surface, generating eddy currents that provide energy to melt the ice layer. The combined effect of the ionic wind and eddy currents significantly accelerates the defrosting speed of food, preventing spoilage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of an electrode array-type defrosting device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of point Q shown.

[0018] Reference numerals: 100, electrode array section; 110, conductive frame; 111, first conductive strip; 112, second conductive strip; 113, electrode strip; 114, mounting hole; 120, electrode needle; 200, electrode plate section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the electrode array defrosting device includes a housing (not shown), a power supply unit (not shown), an electrode array 100, and an electrode plate 200. Both the electrode array 100 and the electrode plate 200 are disposed within the housing. The electrode array 100 and the electrode plate 200 are made of various materials such as a metal substrate or a carbon fiber reinforced SiC plate. The metal substrate can be an aluminum plate or a stainless steel plate. The electrode array 100 and the electrode plate 200 are spaced apart. Specifically, the spacing between the electrode array 100 and the electrode plate 200 is preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm (inclusive of the critical value). This spacing range is determined experimentally. When the spacing is less than 20 cm, the excessively high electric field strength may cause arc discharge between the tip of the electrode needle 120 and the electrode plate 200. When the spacing is greater than 40 cm, the electric field strength is insufficient, leading to a significant decrease in ion wind generation efficiency. This range is matched with the tip curvature radius of the electrode needle 120 and the power supply voltage range, ensuring that the electric field strength is below the critical breakdown threshold while maintaining effective ion wind generation.

[0020] The electrode array 100 includes a conductive frame 110 and electrode needles 120. Multiple electrode needles 120 are spaced apart and mounted on the conductive frame 110. The tips of the electrode needles 120 face the electrode plate 200. Each electrode needle 120 has a cylindrical tail and a conical tip. The tip radius of curvature of the electrode needle 120 is extremely small, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The radius of curvature of the electrode needle tip is achieved through precision machining processes, specifically mechanical grinding or electrochemical etching. The physical dimension of the radius of curvature directly affects the electric field intensity distribution of the tip discharge. When the radius of curvature exceeds 0.1 mm, the tip electric field concentration effect is significantly weakened. The electrode array section 100 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply section, and the electrode plate section 200 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply section. The voltage range of the power supply section is between 10kV and 100kV (including the critical value). Specifically, 10kV is the threshold for the initiation of corona discharge, which can generate a stable ion wind, while 100kV is the safety threshold, which reduces the generation of electric arc and ozone.

[0021] It should be noted that when the electrode array 100 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply and the electrode plate 200 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, the electrode needle 120 generates electrons and negative ions that flow to the electrode plate 200. Furthermore, the negative ions react with oxygen molecules to generate ozone. At this time, the entire device is used for applications requiring ozone disinfection.

[0022] It should be noted that the power supply is preferably a DC power supply. The DC power supply can output a voltage with a constant direction, creating a stable unidirectional electric field between the electrode needle 120 and the electrode plate 200. Furthermore, the voltage polarity of the DC power supply remains constant, and the tip of the electrode needle 120 continuously releases charge, generating an ion wind with a constant direction. Therefore, the ion wind flow process is uninterrupted periodically, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution in the defrosting area.

[0023] In another embodiment, the power supply can also be an AC power supply, and the polarity of the electrodes of the AC power supply changes periodically. Therefore, the corona will also appear alternately in the positive and negative half-cycles.

[0024] When the power supply is energized, a high-voltage electrostatic field is generated between the electrode array 100 and the electrode plate 200. Furthermore, the tip of the electrode needle 120 generates a significant tip discharge effect due to the concentration of the field strength, and ionizes the surrounding air molecules to form charged ions. These ions are accelerated towards the electrode plate 200 under the action of the electric field, and collide with the surrounding neutral gas molecules to form a directional ion wind. The ion wind flows from the tip of the electrode needle 120 to the electrode plate 200, passes through the thawed object, and the charged particles interact with the water molecules on the surface and in the internal pores of the object, promoting heat transfer and moisture migration.

[0025] Simultaneously, the ionic wind drives charged particles to collide with the food surface, generating electric eddy currents that provide energy to melt the ice layer. The combined effect of the ionic wind and the electric eddy currents significantly accelerates the thawing process of food, preventing spoilage.

[0026] The electrode array 100 forms a high-density ion wind coverage area, which enhances the penetration depth and range of the ion wind. Furthermore, by adjusting the arrangement of the electrode needles 120 and the voltage parameters, the distribution and intensity of the ion wind can be optimized to achieve efficient defrosting of objects of different types and sizes.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the solution of this application is specifically implemented as follows:

[0028] The power supply of the electrode array defrosting device uses an adjustable high-voltage DC power supply. The electrode array 100 consists of a rectangular conductive frame 110 made of stainless steel and multiple tungsten electrode needles 120. The electrode needles 120 are evenly spaced on the conductive frame 110, with the needle tips facing the electrode plate 200, which is made of a flat stainless steel plate.

[0029] The distance between the electrode array section 100 and the electrode plate section 200 is adjustable to accommodate objects of different thicknesses to be thawed. The electrode array section 100 is connected to the positive terminal of a power supply via wires, and the electrode plate section 200 is connected to the negative terminal of a power supply. The food to be thawed is placed between the electrode array section 100 and the electrode plate section 200.

[0030] Turn on the power supply and adjust the output voltage to a suitable value. The tip of the electrode needle 120 generates an ionizing airflow that flows from the electrode array section 100 to the electrode plate section 200. This ionizing airflow passes through the food, promoting internal heat transfer and moisture migration. The intensity of the ionizing airflow can be controlled by adjusting the voltage and the spacing between the positive and negative electrodes, thus optimizing the defrosting effect.

[0031] During the defrosting process, a temperature sensor monitors changes in the food temperature, and the power supply output parameters are adjusted as needed. When the internal temperature of the food reaches the set value, the power supply is turned off, completing the defrosting process.

[0032] Actual test data shows that with traditional thawing methods, it takes about 85 minutes to thaw a regular steak from -20°C to 2°C, with a temperature difference of more than 10°C between the center and the surface, resulting in significant juice loss. In contrast, the thawing method proposed in this application takes about 18 minutes to thaw a regular steak from -20°C to 2°C, with a temperature difference of less than 2°C between the center and the surface, resulting in less juice loss. In other words, the steak retains better quality after thawing.

[0033] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conductive frame 110 includes a first conductive strip 111, a second conductive strip 112, and a plurality of electrode strips 113. The first conductive strip 111 and the second conductive strip 112 are spaced apart, preferably arranged parallel to each other. One end of each electrode strip 113 is connected to the first conductive strip 111, and the other end is connected to the second conductive strip 112. That is, the first conductive strip 111 and the second conductive strip 112 are arranged in parallel to form a main current channel, and the electrode strips 113 are laterally connected to form a grid-like conductive network. Adjacent electrode strips 113 are spaced apart, and each electrode strip 113 is equipped with a plurality of spaced electrode needles 120, so that the electrode needles 120 are arranged in an array on the conductive frame 110.

[0034] The electrode strip 113 can be formed by stamping a thin copper alloy sheet, with its width controlled between 3mm and 5mm to balance the conductive cross-sectional area and space ratio. The spacing between adjacent electrode strips 113 can be set to 10mm to 15mm to form a multi-stage parallel current distribution path.

[0035] This application establishes an array structure by setting a conductive frame 110 and mounting multiple electrode needles 120 on the conductive frame 110. This array structure can generate a large-area ion wind, increasing the effective area of ​​the defrosting device and improving defrosting efficiency. In addition, the design of the conductive frame 110 simplifies the manufacturing and installation process of the electrode array section 100, improving the production efficiency and reliability of the device.

[0036] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrode strip 113 has multiple spaced mounting holes 114 along its length (from the first conductive strip 111 to the second conductive strip 112). Each electrode needle 120 is mounted in a mounting hole 114. Specifically, the outer wall of the electrode needle 120 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 114 are tightly fitted by friction, or the outer wall of the electrode needle 120 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 114 are flexibly threaded together to allow for flexible adjustment of the length of the electrode needle 120 extending out of the conductive frame 110, thus adapting to ingredients of different thicknesses. The tight fit is fixed by mechanical interference through an interference fit, which is controlled between 20 and 50 micrometers. The flexibly threaded fit uses a metric thread or pipe thread structure with a thread angle of 55 or 60 degrees. The inner wall of the mounting hole 114 can be machined into a smooth cylindrical surface or a threaded surface depending on the fit method. The dimensional difference between the tail diameter of the electrode needle 120 and the diameter of the mounting hole 114 creates radial pressure in the tight fit state and a helical locking force in the threaded fit state.

[0037] Furthermore, the tail of each electrode needle 120 can be inserted and installed in any mounting hole 114. There are one or more mounting holes 114 between adjacent electrode needles 120. In the array structure formed by all electrode needles 120, the spacing between the outermost electrode needles 120 is larger, approximately between 12mm and 15mm, while the spacing between the electrode needles 120 in the central region is smaller, approximately less than 8mm. Moreover, the spacing between adjacent electrode needles 120 closer to the central region is smaller. In other words, in the array structure formed by all electrode needles 120, the spacing between adjacent electrode needles 120 tends to increase along the direction from the center of the array structure to the edge of the array structure. This can accelerate the defrosting rate of the central high thermal resistance region and prevent uneven defrosting caused by the edge effect of the electric field.

[0038] This application enables flexible installation and adjustment of the electrode needles 120 on the electrode strip 113. This allows for adjustment of the distribution density and position of the electrode needles 120 according to actual needs, thereby optimizing the generation effect of the ion wind. Furthermore, this detachable design facilitates cleaning and replacement of the electrode needles 120, improving the maintainability and service life of the device. Simultaneously, the installation process of the electrode needles 120 is simplified by pre-setting multiple mounting holes 114 on the electrode strip 113, improving production efficiency. In addition, this design allows users to adjust the layout of the electrode needles 120 according to different thawing targets, enhancing the adaptability and practicality of the device.

[0039] However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the conductive frame 110 can also be a grid structure with crisscrossing. In any case, the conductive frame 110 can be formed by segmented welding, integral casting, or 3D printing.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the electrode array defrosting device further includes a controller (not shown) and a temperature sensor (not shown). The controller is connected to the temperature sensor via a signal line. The temperature sensor is disposed within the housing, specifically within the space between the electrode array section 100 and the electrode plate section 200, for detecting the temperature between the electrode array section 100 and the electrode plate section 200, i.e., for real-time acquisition of temperature data of the defrosting area. The controller receives the temperature data and executes preset control logic, such as employing a proportional-integral-derivative algorithm or setting a temperature threshold range. The controller can adjust the output power of the power supply section according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor. The output power adjustment of the power supply section can be achieved by changing the voltage amplitude or current intensity, for example, by using an adjustable DC power supply module.

[0041] Specifically, the temperature sensor converts the detected temperature signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller. The controller compares the received signal with a preset temperature range. When the detected temperature is below the lower limit of the set range, the controller sends a command to the power supply to increase the output voltage and enhance the electric field strength at the tip of the electrode needle 120, thereby increasing the ion airflow rate and heat transfer efficiency. When the detected temperature exceeds the upper limit of the set range, the controller reduces the output voltage of the power supply to prevent local overheating and damage to food tissue. Through a closed-loop control mechanism, the temperature of the defrosting zone is dynamically maintained within a preset range, ensuring defrosting speed while preventing abnormal temperature fluctuations. For example, when defrosting meat, if the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the central area reaches -2°C, the controller can gradually reduce the power to prevent excessive surface heating.

[0042] Specifically, the temperature sensor can be a temperature-sensitive element such as a thermocouple or a thermistor. The temperature sensor is installed in the space between the electrode array section 100 and the electrode plate section 200 to monitor the temperature of that area in real time. The controller can be a microcontroller or a programmable logic controller. The controller receives the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and adjusts the output power of the power supply section according to a preset temperature-power correspondence.

[0043] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves automated control of the thawing process. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the thawing power based on actual temperature changes, preventing localized overheating or incomplete thawing of food. Furthermore, precise control of the thawing temperature maximizes the preservation of food freshness and nutritional components, improving thawing quality. Simultaneously, automated control simplifies the operation process and enhances the ease of use of the equipment.

[0044] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0047] Furthermore, 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Claims

1. An electrode array-type defrosting device, characterized in that, The device includes a power supply unit, an electrode array unit (100), and an electrode plate unit (200). The electrode array unit (100) and the electrode plate unit (200) are spaced apart. The electrode array unit (100) includes a conductive frame (110) and electrode needles (120). There are multiple electrode needles (120) and they are spaced apart on the conductive frame (110). The tips of the electrode needles (120) are positioned facing the electrode plate unit (200). The electrode array unit (100) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply unit, and the electrode plate unit (200) is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is energized, the tips of the electrode needles (120) can generate an ion wind flowing toward the electrode plate unit (200).

2. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive frame (110) includes a first conductive strip (111), a second conductive strip (112), and a plurality of electrode strips (113). The first conductive strip (111) and the second conductive strip (112) are spaced apart. Each electrode strip (113) is connected to the first conductive strip (111) and the second conductive strip (112) at both ends. Adjacent electrode strips (113) are spaced apart. Each electrode strip (113) is equipped with a plurality of spaced electrode needles (120).

3. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode strip (113) has a plurality of spaced mounting holes (114) along its length, and the tail of each electrode needle (120) can be inserted into and mounted in any one of the mounting holes (114).

4. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the electrode needle (120) and the inner wall of the mounting hole (114) are tightly fitted, or the outer wall of the electrode needle (120) and the inner wall of the mounting hole (114) are movably threaded.

5. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the array structure formed by the electrode needles (120), the spacing between adjacent electrode needles (120) tends to increase along the direction from the center of the array structure to the edge of the array structure.

6. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller and a temperature sensor, the controller being electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature between the electrode array section (100) and the electrode plate section (200), and the controller being able to adjust the output power of the power supply section according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

7. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance A between the electrode array portion (100) and the electrode plate portion (200) satisfies 20cm≤A≤40cm.

8. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of curvature of the tip of the electrode needle (120) is less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

9. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage range F of the power supply unit satisfies 10kV≤F≤100kV.

10. The electrode array defrosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply unit is a DC power supply.

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