Conveyor Belt Rotating Objects in Radio-Frequency Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio-frequency energy application to stationary objects results in uneven heating, leading to 'hot' and 'cold' spots, which can cause deterioration or incomplete microbial reduction.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system that rotates objects through a radio-frequency energy field, ensuring even distribution of energy by using a dual-belt conveyor with a control system to manage the application of radio-frequency energy and movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radio-frequency energy is applied to a stationary object, then the object can be heated to a predetermined temperature, but uneven heating occurs leading to hot spots and cold spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from a stationary object to a moving object on a conveyor belt. The object is continuously conveyed through the radio-frequency energy field, allowing different portions of the object to be exposed to the energy field at different times, which distributes the heating more uniformly and eliminates hot and cold spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by applying radio-frequency energy in a continuous conveyor system where objects pass through the energy field repeatedly or continuously. This periodic exposure ensures that all surfaces of the object receive adequate energy treatment, achieving uniform heating without localized overheating.
2Reliability
If radio-frequency energy is applied to a stationary object, then microbial reduction can be achieved, but hot spots cause deterioration and cold spots leave micro-organisms
Solution Approach 1:
By conveying the object through the radio-frequency energy field rather than heating a stationary object, the system ensures uniform energy distribution. This dynamic approach achieves reliable microbial reduction throughout the object while preventing localized overheating that would cause deterioration or decomposition.
3Temperature
If a conveyor system is introduced to rotate and move objects, then uniform heating is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rotation systems with a simpler conveyor belt mechanism. Instead of rotating the object on itself, the object is conveyed linearly through the radio-frequency energy field, achieving uniform heating through movement rather than rotation, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
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 conveyor system achieves uniform heating of objects, preventing deterioration and ensuring effective microbial reduction by distributing radio-frequency energy evenly throughout the object.
Implementation Method 1
radio-frequency generators can be used to expose objects, such as food, to radio-frequency energy in order to reduce or eliminate micro-organisms within or on the surface of such objects. The radio-frequency energy can be used to heat the objects to a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for exposing an object to radio-frequency energy includes a conveyor, an radio-frequency generator, and a control system configured to automatically perform an operation. During the operation, the control system is configured to control the radio-frequency generator to apply radio-frequency energy to the object for a predetermined amount of time. Further, the conveyor rotates the objects as the object is conveyed through the radio-frequency energy.