Fluid-Push/Pull Defrosting System for Rapid Commercial Food Thawing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pot and pan washing machines are not designed for defrosting items, and while improvements have been made for washing, they do not effectively address the need for rapid and safe defrosting of frozen food in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A defrosting system utilizing a fluid-push/pull system that directs a flow of fluid through a cavity containing frozen items, ensuring the fluid circulates around all surfaces, with a pumping system that can operate in both forward and reverse directions to enhance defrosting efficiency and conserve fluid, and includes features like temperature control and sensors for optimal defrosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluid-push/pull system is used to circulate fluid around frozen items, then defrosting speed and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system is adapted to perform both washing and defrosting functions using the same fluid circulation infrastructure. The pump, fluid distribution system, and tank are used for both washing wares and defrosting frozen items, eliminating the need for a separate defrosting system and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow characteristics for defrosting operations. The pump variable speed control and adjustable fluid distribution patterns allow the system to optimize circulation for defrosting frozen items while maintaining the same hardware infrastructure, enabling rapid defrosting without permanent structural modifications.
2Productivity
If fluid circulation is directed through all surfaces of frozen items, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic fluid circulation patterns during defrosting operations. The pump operates in cycles with variable speeds, creating periodic fluid flow that systematically directs water through different surfaces of frozen items over time. This periodic action ensures comprehensive heat transfer to all surfaces while allowing energy-efficient rest periods between circulation cycles.
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 system enables safe and rapid defrosting of frozen items, minimizing operator time and fluid usage while ensuring all surfaces are exposed to convective heat transfer, thus improving defrosting efficiency and safety in commercial kitchens.
Implementation Method 1
exposes generally all surfaces of frozen items to convective heat transfer from fluid streams
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a fluid-push/pull system and/or continuous motion fluid system
Implementation Method 3
The combination of deflections of the jet stream from the bottom, front and rear walls provides a rolling washing action within the wash tank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.