Adjustable Microwave Carrier for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave heating systems face challenges in efficiently processing a wide variety of articles with different sizes and shapes due to the need for multiple carriers and high operating expenses, which limits their commercial application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with a frame and support structures that securely hold pouches with a base twice as thick as the top, allowing for overlapping configuration and adjustable cargo volume, enabling uniform microwave heating of articles of varying sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of carriers are used to process articles of different sizes and shapes, then the system can accommodate diverse article types, but capital expenses and operating expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal carrier design where a single carrier type can accommodate multiple article sizes and shapes through adjustable support members. The support members can be repositioned along the carrier frame to match different article dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carrier types while maintaining versatility across diverse product configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates dynamically adjustable support members that can be repositioned during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same carrier to adapt to different article sizes and shapes without requiring physical replacement of the carrier itself, thus reducing both capital expenses for multiple carriers and operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of carriers are used to process different article types, then various article configurations can be handled, but production efficiency decreases due to massive change outs required
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are pre-configured with multiple positioning locations along the carrier frame, allowing operators to quickly adjust the carrier setup for different article types without requiring complete carrier replacement. This preliminary preparation of adjustable positions enables rapid reconfiguration between product runs, maintaining high production efficiency while handling diverse articles
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal carrier design with adjustable support members replaces the need for multiple specialized carriers. This eliminates time-consuming carrier change-outs between different article types, as the same carrier can be rapidly reconfigured for different products, thereby significantly improving production efficiency and throughput
3Device complexity
If a single carrier type is used for all article sizes and shapes, then capital expenses are reduced, but the system cannot effectively accommodate diverse article configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into modular components, specifically adjustable support members that can be independently repositioned along the carrier frame. This segmentation allows the single carrier type to be configured for different article sizes and shapes by adjusting individual support member positions, maintaining simplicity in carrier inventory while achieving versatility in article accommodation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves consistent and efficient pasteurization or sterilization of articles by ensuring uniform microwave exposure, reducing capital expenses, and maximizing throughput while accommodating diverse article sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave radiation is a known mechanism for delivering energy to an object. The ability of microwave energy to penetrate and heat an object in a rapid and effective manner has proven advantageous in many chemical and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 2
Because microwave energy is generally non-invasive, microwave heating may be particularly useful for heating dielectrically sensitive materials, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Data Source
AI summary
Carriers suitable for transporting a plurality of articles through a microwave heating zone are provided. Carriers as described herein may include an outer frame and upper and lower support structures vertically spaced from one another to provide a cargo volume into which the articles are loaded. At least a portion of the upper and/or lower support structures may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Additionally, the carrier may include removable article spacing members, such as vertical spacing members and dividers, that can be selectively inserted to adjust the size and/or shape of the cargo volume. Carriers as described herein may be configured to receive a variety of different articles, including trays and pouches, and the articles may be loaded into the carrier in a nested or overlapping manner.