Multi-Zone Fermentation Chamber for Humidity and Oxygen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances are unable to provide optimal environmental conditions for various fermentation processes, including temperature control, humidity, oxygenation, and sterilization, which are essential for different types of fermentation, and lack automation or semi-automation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fermentation device with integrated temperature control, ventilation, oxygenation, and sterilization features, including a humidifier, air pump, and UV light, along with a control panel and mobile app for programming, to create customizable environments for different fermentation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing kitchen appliances (slow cookers, rice cookers, pressure cookers) are used for fermentation, then temperature control is provided, but they cannot provide high humidity, oxygen, or automated control for different fermentation types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (temperature control, humidity control, oxygenation, CO2 removal, sterilization) into a single integrated fermentation chamber system. The chamber integrates heating elements, humidifiers, air pumps, CO2 scrubbers, and UV sterilization lights all within one enclosed space, allowing different fermentation processes to be supported simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate appliances for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation chamber is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various fermentation types (lactic acid, acetic acid, yeast, koji) by adjusting environmental parameters. The same chamber can be configured for anaerobic fermentation by removing oxygen-supplying components or for aerobic fermentation by activating air pumps and humidifiers, making it adaptable to multiple fermentation processes without requiring dedicated equipment for each type.
2Extent of automation
If anaerobic fermentation is performed in water-containing baths, then oxygen availability is reduced, but the device lacks automated control for optimizing fermentation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and other fermentation parameters, feeding this data back to a control system. The control system automatically adjusts heating elements, humidifiers, and air pumps to maintain optimal conditions for the selected fermentation process. This closed-loop feedback enables automated optimization without requiring complex manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining high automation capability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used to provide temperature control, humidity, oxygenation, and sterilization, then each function can be optimized, but the overall system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fermentation chamber into functionally independent zones or modules (heating zone, humidification zone, aeration zone, sterilization zone), each capable of being controlled and optimized separately. This segmentation allows each function to be engineered and operated independently, simplifying the user interface for each function while ensuring reliable environmental conditions through dedicated control mechanisms for each zone.
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 device provides optimal conditions for diverse fermentation processes, enhancing flavor and health benefits while minimizing contamination, and allows for data collection and analysis to improve fermentation efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control element for heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
a fan for ventilation of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
an air pump for delivery of oxygen into a food to be fermented
Implementation Method 4
a humidifier
Implementation Method 5
an ultraviolet sterilization light source
Data Source
AI summary
A fermentation device, system and method for the production of improved fermentation products is disclosed. The device has a chamber, a temperature control element for heat transfer to/from the chamber, a ventilation fan, an air pump for delivery of oxygen into a fermentation bath, a humidifier, and an ultraviolet sterilization light source. The chamber may have partitions to allow for different fermentation processes to occur simultaneously. The system includes the fermentation device and a connection to a network such as a wi-fi network. The connection allows for not only control and programming of the device, but also collection and retrieval of various process parameters to improve upon the production of fermentation products.