Flow generator, kitchen appliance and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances for food processing are often specialized and require multiple devices, posing safety risks during deep-frying due to high temperatures and uncontrolled heating, which can lead to harmful substance formation and increased user risk.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with a heatable vessel integrated with a flow generator that uses hot air to simulate deep-frying, reducing the need for separate devices and enhancing user safety by integrating the heater at the bottom of the vessel, allowing for efficient and controlled food processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional deep-frying with liquid fat at high temperatures is used, then the Maillard reaction creates a dry crust and aromatic roasted substances, but the high temperatures increase the risk of injury and can lead to the formation of harmful substances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the heating medium from liquid fat to gas phase (hot air), and adjusts the temperature parameters to a lower range (50-230°C, preferably 70-200°C). This parameter change maintains the Maillard reaction capability while eliminating the safety risks associated with hot liquid fat and uncontrolled intense heating
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the liquid fat heating system with a gas-phase hot air circulation system. The flow generator creates controlled air flow that circulates hot air around the food, substituting the mechanical/thermal process of submerging food in hot liquid fat with a pneumatic heating process, thereby eliminating injury risks from hot liquid splatter
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized kitchen appliances are used for different food processing tasks, then each specific function can be performed effectively, but the number of devices increases and handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal food processor that can perform multiple functions including deep-frying (via flow generator), chopping, kneading, stirring, juicing, heating, cooling, and pressing. The base unit with interchangeable preparation tools and a heatable vessel serves as a multi-functional platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized appliances for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges previously separate kitchen appliances into a single integrated unit. The base unit combines a drive mechanism, a heatable vessel with integrated heater, and a flow generator, while interchangeable preparation tools provide additional functions. This consolidation reduces the number of devices from multiple specialized appliances to one unified system
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vessel heater is integrated in the base of the vessel, then heating efficiency is improved and safety is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel heater is nested within the base of the vessel, with the heating element integrated into the vessel structure itself. This nested configuration allows the heater to be surrounded by the vessel walls, improving heat retention and efficiency while containing the heating element within a defined space that simplifies assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated vessel heater utilizes the vessel's own base structure as part of the heating system, where the base itself serves as both a structural component and a heat transfer medium. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external heating mechanisms and reduces assembly complexity
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 solution provides a safer, more versatile, and cost-effective food processing method by combining heating and air flow to achieve deep-frying functions within a single device, reducing the risk of injury and harmful substance formation while simplifying handling and reducing the number of kitchen appliances needed.
Implementation Method 1
the vessel has a vessel heater which is designed to heat the air enclosed in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
a preparation tool designed as a flow generator for flowing air onto the at least one food item
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a food processor (300) for preparing at least one foodstuff (10), comprising a drive (330) designed to move at least one preparation tool (100, 400), a preparation tool (100) designed as a flow generator (100) for supplying the at least one foodstuff (10) with air in the vessel (320), a vessel (320) designed to hold the at least one foodstuff (10), wherein the vessel (320) has a vessel heater (310) designed to heat the air enclosed in the vessel (320), the vessel heater (310) being integrated into a base of the vessel (320). The invention further relates to a method for operating a food processor (300).