Defrosting apparatus and defrosting method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defrosting apparatuses, such as tumblers or mixers, often lead to surface overheating and inefficiency in defrosting processes, as they fail to accurately control the temperature of the product, resulting in partial cooking and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A defrosting apparatus with a temperature-measurement system that contacts freely measures the surface temperature of the product and surrounding liquid, using an IR-sensor mounted on the lid, which remains stationary during rotation and is not influenced by the vessel's sidewall or baffle temperatures, allowing for controlled steam addition and vacuum application to optimize the defrosting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vessel rotates and/or product is moved during defrosting, then defrosting efficiency is improved, but surface overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a temperature measurement system that continuously monitors the product surface temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the heating power based on this feedback, reducing power when temperature approaches the target and increasing it when the product is colder, thereby preventing surface overheating while maintaining defrosting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the heating parameter (power level) based on the measured temperature. The control unit modifies the heating intensity in response to temperature variations, transitioning from high power at the beginning of defrosting to lower power as the product approaches the target temperature, thus avoiding overheating while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If steam is added to the vessel to defrost the product, then defrosting speed is improved, but surface overheating and energy inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement system provides continuous feedback on product surface temperature, allowing the control unit to regulate steam addition and heating power. This feedback mechanism ensures steam and heat are applied only when needed, improving defrosting speed while preventing energy waste from excessive heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent steam addition and heating cycles rather than continuous application. The control unit activates steam and heating elements in periodic intervals based on temperature measurements, maintaining defrosting speed while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding continuous high-energy input
3Productivity
If the vessel rotates at high speed, then defrosting efficiency is improved, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement system is extracted from the rotating vessel structure and positioned on a stationary support structure outside the vessel. This separation allows the measurement system to remain stationary while the vessel rotates, ensuring accurate temperature readings without being affected by rotation-induced vibrations or movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (such as wireless transmission or rotary joint) between the stationary measurement system and the rotating vessel. This intermediary allows temperature data to be transmitted from the stationary sensor to the control system without requiring the sensor itself to rotate, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling high-speed vessel rotation for efficient defrosting
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 solution effectively prevents surface overheating and enhances energy efficiency by ensuring the product is only heated to a necessary temperature, while maintaining the integrity of the temperature measurement system and allowing for continuous monitoring from the start of the process.
Implementation Method 1
temperature-measurement-means to contact free determine the surface temperature of the product and/or a liquid surrounding the product
Implementation Method 2
The sidewalls of the vessel and/or the baffles and/or paddles are heated... to defrost the product
Implementation Method 3
steam is added to the vessel to defrost the product
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a vessel. The vessel is partially filled with a product to be defrosted. The vessel rotates about an inclined axis. The vessel includes means to move the product during defrosting. The apparatus includes a temperature-measurement-means located at partially inside the vessel to determine a surface temperature of the product and a temperature of liquid surrounding the product without contacting the product and without contacting the liquid. The temperature-measurement-means remain stationary while the vessel rotates.