Fermented Milk Vessel Heating Layout for Uniform Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for producing fermented milk-based preparations lack effective temperature control, particularly for fermentations occurring in different temperature ranges, making it difficult to produce high-quality preparations across a wide range of ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a double-walled housing featuring separate lateral and lower heating means, along with a temperature sensor for precise control, allows for homogeneous temperature regulation by heating the tank from both the sides and bottom, enabling production of fermented preparations at various temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If only lateral heating means are used, then the construction remains simple, but temperature gradients in the preparation cannot be limited and homogeneous temperature control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into two independent heating zones: lateral heating means (heating elements 21) arranged around the sides of the cavity and lower heating means (heating element 22) positioned at the bottom. This segmentation allows each heating zone to be controlled independently, enabling precise temperature distribution throughout the preparation without creating temperature gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating characteristics are applied to different locations within the cavity. The lateral heating means provide heating from the sides while the lower heating means provide heating from the bottom, creating localized heating zones that work together to achieve overall temperature homogeneity throughout the preparation.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed close to the lower heating means, then temperature control response is faster, but the heating of the lower heating means itself cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor (31) is positioned in the cavity at a distance from the lower heating means (heating element 22), acting as an intermediary measurement point that reflects the actual preparation temperature rather than the heating element temperature. This allows accurate temperature control of the preparation while preventing overheating of the lower heating means themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single heating system is used, then the device construction is simple, but it cannot produce fermented preparations with different fermentation temperature ranges correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is made dynamic through independent control of lateral and lower heating means, allowing the temperature profile to be adjusted according to different fermentation requirements. The control device can selectively activate and regulate each heating zone to achieve various target temperatures (e.g., 40-50°C for yoghurt, 20-30°C for kefir) while maintaining temperature homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by independently adjusting the power and temperature of lateral and lower heating means. This allows the heating characteristics to be modified according to different fermentation temperature ranges, transforming a static heating system into an adaptable one that can accommodate various fermented preparation types.
4Manufacturing precision
If the tank is heated from only one direction, then the heating device is simpler, but temperature gradients cannot be limited and precise temperature control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The heating arrangement is segmented into lateral heating means (21) and lower heating means (22) positioned at different locations around the cavity. This spatial segmentation enables heat to be applied from multiple directions simultaneously, eliminating temperature gradients and achieving precise, homogeneous temperature control throughout the preparation.
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 apparatus ensures precise and homogeneous temperature control, facilitating the production of high-quality fermented milk-based preparations across different temperature ranges, including those close to ambient temperature, while maintaining a simple and easy-to-use construction.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (20) comprising lateral heating means (21) carried by the inner wall (12) and surrounding the cavity (2), the heating device (20) comprising lower heating means (22) separate from the side heating means (21), the lower heating means (22) being arranged under the bottom of the cavity (2)
Implementation Method 2
The heating of the tank by the bottom associated with the heating of the tank by the side walls makes it possible to limit the temperature gradients in the preparation
Implementation Method 3
a control device (30) comprising a temperature sensor (31) arranged below the bottom of the tank (4) and away from the lower heating means (22), to control the operation of the heating device (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing fermented milk-based preparations, in particular liquid fermented preparations, comprising a main housing (1) defining a recess having an upper opening (3), a removable vessel (4) at least partially inserted into the recess, an inner cover (5) associated with the vessel (4), a main cover (6) associated with the main housing (1), the main housing (1) having an outer shell (11) and an inner wall (12) defining an inner chamber (10) housing a heating device (20) including side heating means (21) supported by the inner wall (12) and surrounding the recess. According to the invention, the heating device (20) includes lower heating means which are separate from the side heating means (21), the lower heating means being arranged in the inner chamber (10) under the bottom of the recess, and the apparatus comprises a control device including a temperature sensor (31) arranged under the bottom of the vessel (4) and spaced apart from the lower heating means, in order to control the operation of the heating device (20).