Device, system and method for heating a food item stored in a vessel, in particular a ready meal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam heating devices for food, particularly ready meals, require manual parameterization based on the food type, making operation inconvenient and inefficient, as they lack the ability to automatically adjust heating parameters specific to different foods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection device, such as a sensor or code reader, connected to a control unit that reads food-specific information from identification elements on the vessel, allowing the device to automatically adjust heating parameters and mixing processes based on detected information, enabling tailored heating for various food types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameterization is used for different food types, then the device can be operated for various foods, but the operation convenience deteriorates due to requiring manual adjustment of parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically identifying the food type through the detection device reading the identification element on the vessel, and the control device autonomously selects and applies the appropriate heating parameters without requiring manual user input or parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the detection device to read food-specific information from the identification element, transmitting this information to the control device, which then uses this feedback to automatically adjust the heating parameters to match the detected food type
2Ease of operation
If automatic detection and control are implemented, then operation convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating the detection device, control device, and existing heating components into a unified system that can handle multiple food types through automatic identification and parameter selection, eliminating the need for separate manual parameterization processes
3Manufacturing precision
If food-specific parameters are manually adjusted, then heating precision for different foods is improved, but time consumption increases due to manual parameterization
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-programming optimal heating parameters for different food types into the control device, which automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate parameters based on the detected food type, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment during operation
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 convenient and efficient heating of different foods by automatically adjusting heating parameters and mixing processes, preserving heat-sensitive nutrients and preventing food damage, such as curling of long noodles, by using vessel-specific information to control the steam probe's rotation and steam exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation unit for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
a steam supply unit connected to the steam generation unit via a steam supply line in a steam-conducting manner
Implementation Method 3
a steam probe having a steam discharge opening
Implementation Method 4
heating a food item accommodated in a vessel, in particular a ready meal, by applying steam
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for heating a foodstuff contained in a vessel (2), in particular a ready meal, by steam application, comprising a steam generation unit for generating steam and a steam supply unit (4) connected to the steam generation unit via a steam supply line, comprising at least one steam probe (6) having a steam release opening, preferably rotatably driven, and a control device.According to the invention, a detection device (10) connected to the control unit via a signal conductor is provided for detecting food-specific, in particular ready-meal-specific, information by means of a container-side identification element (11) for distinguishing between containers (2) filled with different foods, in particular ready-meal products, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the device (1) in response to detected information.