Process for making a container for cooking food, mould for processing a container and container for cooking food

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing containers for cooking food are laborious and expensive, particularly when creating a bottom suitable for use on electromagnetic induction plates while also maintaining stability and thermal efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a main element made of non-ferromagnetic material and a layer of ferromagnetic powders pressed and sintered onto the bottom, using a mould to achieve a concave shape and enhance thermal conductivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coupling methods (moulding, brazing, impact bonding) are used to attach ferromagnetic bottom to non-ferromagnetic main body, then good technical result is achieved for induction plate use, but the process becomes laborious and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnical result qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bottom and main body into a single monoblock structure made of ferromagnetic material, eliminating the need for separate coupling operations (moulding, brazing, or impact bonding). This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining the ferromagnetic property needed for induction plates while simplifying the manufacturing process into a single casting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structure with a ferromagnetic outer layer (bottom and outer surface) and a non-ferromagnetic inner core, created through selective breeding or coating during the casting process. This allows the container to be magnetically responsive for induction cooking while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing compared to traditional multi-step assembly methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If ferromagnetic material is used for the bottom to enable induction plate compatibility, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the bottom becomes prone to deformation during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidbottom stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure where the ferromagnetic material forms the bottom and outer surface for thermal efficiency and induction compatibility, while the inner core consists of non-ferromagnetic material providing structural stability and resistance to deformation. This layered composite approach resolves the contradiction between magnetic responsiveness and structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the container: the bottom and outer surface use ferromagnetic material optimized for thermal conduction and magnetic interaction, while the inner body uses non-ferromagnetic material optimized for structural stability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between thermal efficiency and deformation resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex multi-step processing is used to create ferromagnetic bottom, then induction plate compatibility is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction plate compatibilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (structural formation, ferromagnetic property acquisition, and surface finishing) into a single continuous casting process. The ferromagnetic material is introduced during casting itself through selective breeding or coating techniques, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and reducing production costs while maintaining induction plate compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs the ferromagnetic material application during the initial casting stage rather than as a subsequent separate operation. By incorporating the ferromagnetic property formation into the primary manufacturing process, the patent eliminates multiple processing steps and reduces overall production cost while ensuring induction plate compatibility from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 process allows for the economical production of containers with enhanced thermal efficiency and stability, suitable for both electromagnetic induction plates and traditional fires, while reducing deformation and improving corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

the bottom with the ferromagnetic material heats up directly due to the eddy currents that are generated by the effect of the magnetic field produced by the induction source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the bottom with the ferromagnetic material heats up directly due to the eddy currents that are generated by the effect of the magnetic field produced by the induction source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

pressing the powders of the second material into the mould on at least one portion of the first surface of the main element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

a layer of ferromagnetic powders pressed and sintered onto the bottom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP4301191B1Process for making a container for cooking food, mould for processing a container and container for cooking food
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 TVS SPA
  • EP4301191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4301191B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4301191B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A process for making a container (1) for cooking food comprising a main element (2) intended to define a bottom (3), a side wall (4) of the container (1) and to be shaped substantially concave, inside which the food for cooking can be housed, the process comprises the steps of providing at least one main element (2) of the container (1) made of a first metal material and defining at least one first surface (2a); providing powders (5) of a second material which heats up when subjected to magnetic fields; providing at least one mould (6); arrange at least the main element (2) and the powders (5) in the mould (6); press the powders (5) of the second material into the mould (6) on at least one portion (2b) of the first surface (2a) of the main element (2), so as to create at least one layer (7) of the second material joined to the portion (2b).