Optimized process for deep freezing and defrosting of foodstuffs and other heat-sensitive products in a deep freezing cabinet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deep freezing processes result in uneven freezing, leading to quality issues in medical, biological, and delicate food products due to rapid ice crystal formation or high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a deep freezing process with a constant freezing speed by varying the temperature and thermal transfer coefficient over time, ensuring the freezing front advances uniformly throughout the product, and applying similar principles for defrosting to maintain product quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If excessively rapid freezing is applied, then freezing speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and product quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the freezing process adaptable through variable temperature stages. The system transitions from a static constant-temperature approach to a dynamic multi-stage temperature control system that adjusts cooling intensity based on the freezing progression, thereby optimizing both speed and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter changes by varying the temperature parameter throughout the freezing process. Instead of maintaining a constant low temperature, the system changes temperature parameters in stages: initial rapid cooling phase, intermediate stabilization phase, and final equilibration phase, achieving optimal freezing speed while reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional constant temperature freezing is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but uneven freezing occurs causing quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidfreezing uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous freezing process into distinct temporal stages with different temperature parameters. This includes an initial rapid freezing stage, a intermediate stage with moderated cooling, and a final stage for temperature equilibration, ensuring uniform freezing throughout the product while maintaining manageable operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic action through cyclic temperature adjustments during the freezing process. The system periodically modifies cooling intensity and ventilation parameters at different stages, creating a rhythmic pattern of thermal treatment that promotes uniform freezing without excessive operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If rapid surface freezing occurs, then initial cooling efficiency is improved, but internal quality deteriorates due to ice crystal formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidproduct quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing an initial rapid cooling phase that prepares the product surface for subsequent uniform freezing. This preliminary high-intensity cooling stage efficiently removes surface heat, creating favorable conditions for the next stages to achieve uniform internal freezing without excessive ice crystal formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements beforehand cushioning by introducing intermediate and final temperature stabilization stages that buffer against the harmful effects of excessive rapid freezing. These cushioning stages allow gradual temperature equilibration throughout the product, preventing thermal shock and ice crystal damage while maintaining overall cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This approach ensures consistent freezing and defrosting speeds, improving the quality of frozen and thawed products by preventing rapid surface freezing and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Internal ventilation makes it possible to circulate the cold thus provided and to facilitate the thermal transfers with the product to be deep frozen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The ventilation speed is variable and the speed of the ventilation fans is adjusted by a variable speed motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

facilitate the thermal transfers with the product to be deep frozen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230337704A1Optimized process for deep freezing and defrosting of foodstuffs and other heat-sensitive products in a deep freezing cabinet

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

Processes for deep freezing and defrosting of products, in particular foodstuff products, wherein a constant speed of deep freezing is maintained throughout the process, and in that, in order to defrost the products, the products are subjected to a constant defrosting speed throughout the defrosting process.