Cooled Brine Balance Check Using Thermochromic Dye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the balance of cooled brine compositions for freezing food and biological samples lack a fast, simple, and convenient method to verify if the composition is within the desired balance, which can lead to quality issues and inefficient freezing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of a water-soluble dye to the brine composition, cooling it to a predetermined temperature, and comparing the color to a pre-established correlation chart to determine balance, with optional specific gravity measurement for confirmation if the color indicates imbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional freezing methods (liquid nitrogen or cooled brine) are used, then freezing cost is reduced or cellular structure damage is minimized, but there is no fast and simple method to determine whether the brine composition is in desired balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change principle by adding water-soluble dye to the brine composition and utilizing the temperature-dependent color properties of the dye. At different temperatures, the dye exhibits distinct colors that correspond to specific brine composition balances. This allows rapid visual determination of composition balance without complex instrumentation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss by providing an immediate visual indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water-soluble dye as an intermediary substance that mediates between the brine composition and the observer. The dye acts as a visual translator, converting compositional information into color information that can be easily perceived and compared against reference standards, enabling fast and simple composition verification.
2Reliability
If brine composition is not in desired balance, then freezing effectiveness is reduced and sample deterioration occurs, but detecting composition imbalance is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as a reliable indicator of brine composition balance. By selecting dyes with distinct temperature-dependent colors and matching them to reference color charts, the system provides a simple yet reliable method to verify composition before freezing, ensuring consistent freezing effectiveness without complex analytical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The brine composition itself performs the detection function through the dye it contains. The dye embedded in the brine automatically indicates composition status through color display, eliminating the need for separate complex analysis devices. The brine essentially detects its own composition state through the visual property of the incorporated dye.
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
Enables a quick and accurate assessment of brine composition balance, ensuring optimal freezing conditions and preventing quality deterioration of frozen items.
Implementation Method 1
comparing the color of the brine composition to a pre-established correlation of color and brine composition at the pre-determined temperature
Implementation Method 2
cooling the brine composition to a pre-determined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining whether a brine composition for freezing an item is in a desired balance. The method includes: adding an effective amount of dye into the brine composition, cooling the dye composition to a pre-determined temperature, and comparing the color of the brine composition to a pre-established correlation of color and brine composition at the pre-determined temperature, thereby determining whether the brine composition is in the desired balance.