Heating device for heating food in a container, in particular milk in a baby bottle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for heating baby bottles, such as microwave and au bain-marie, result in non-uniform temperature distribution, risking nutrition damage, and require trial-and-error heating times due to the inability to accurately measure milk temperature within the bottle.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a chamber, heating unit, temperature measuring element, and controller that uses temperature profiles of the fluid to estimate and maintain the desired food temperature, eliminating the need for direct milk temperature measurement and allowing precise control of heating phases to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If microwave heating is used, then heating speed is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates causing nutrition damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium between the heating source and the milk. The water absorbs microwave energy and transfers heat to the milk container through conduction and convection, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the milk while maintaining rapid heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters including power level, heating duration, and water temperature to optimize both heating speed and temperature uniformity. The controller modifies these parameters based on detected milk temperature and container characteristics to prevent localized overheating while maintaining efficient heating
2Use of energy by moving object
If steam heating is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary medium that receives steam heat and redistributes it uniformly to the milk container. The water acts as a thermal buffer that equalizes temperature distribution, preventing the non-uniform heating caused by direct steam condensation on the bottle wall
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition of water between liquid and vapor states to enhance heat transfer efficiency. Steam condenses on the water surface releasing latent heat, which then distributes uniformly through the water to the milk, combining the efficiency of steam heating with the uniformity of liquid bath heating
3Stability of the object's composition
If au bain-marie heating is used, then temperature uniformity is improved, but heating time becomes uncertain requiring trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor milk temperature and provide feedback to the controller. This real-time feedback enables the system to automatically adjust heating duration and power, eliminating the need for trial-and-error timing while maintaining the temperature uniformity benefits of au bain-marie heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of heating parameters based on sensor data without requiring user intervention. The controller automatically determines optimal heating time and power levels, making the process independent of user experience or manual timing attempts
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
Ensures even heating and prevents nutrition damage by accurately controlling the temperature of the milk to a safe range without user guesswork, allowing for efficient and safe heating of milk and other foods.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit for heating the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a temperature measuring element for measuring the temperature of the fluid over time to obtain a temperature profile over time
Implementation Method 3
a controller for controlling the heating unit based on the obtained temperature profile of the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heating device (100, 200) for heating food (4) in a container (3), in particular milk in a baby bottle. The heating device comprising a chamber (1) configured to contain a fluid (2) and to receive the container (3), a heating unit (5) for heating the fluid, a temperature measuring element (8) for measuring the temperature of the fluid (2) over time to obtain a temperature profile (300) over time, and a controller (6) for controlling the heating unit (5) based on the obtained temperature profile of the fluid.