Bowls and attachments for food processing apparatuses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Food processing apparatuses often inadvertently change the temperature of ingredients during processing, which can be detrimental for certain foods, such as frozen items that need to remain cold or melted butter that requires an elevated temperature.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a phase change material within the attachments and containers of food processing apparatuses, which is in thermal communication with the walls and comes into contact with the food, allowing it to maintain a predetermined temperature by absorbing or providing heat as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If food processing operation is performed, then food processing function is achieved, but temperature of food is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood processing functionVSAvoidfood temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temperature control system with heating and cooling elements that act as intermediaries between the food and the environment. These elements actively regulate temperature during processing, allowing the food processing function to proceed while maintaining desired temperature levels through controlled thermal exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters during food processing by activating heating or cooling elements based on detected temperature conditions. This parameter control allows the processing operation to continue while preventing adverse temperature changes that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If room temperature container is used, then hot ingredients are cooled, but desired temperature maintenance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingredient coolingVSAvoidtemperature control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container transitions from a static room temperature design to a dynamic system with active temperature control. Heating and cooling elements can be activated based on the specific temperature needs of different ingredients, allowing the container to adapt its thermal behavior rather than imposing a fixed temperature regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to perform multiple temperature control functions - both cooling hot ingredients and heating cold ingredients - within the same device. This multi-functionality allows a single container to handle diverse temperature requirements without requiring separate specialized containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If phase change material is added to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates phase change material within the container structure that absorbs or releases heat during phase transitions (e.g., melting/freezing). This passive thermal regulation works in conjunction with the active heating and cooling elements to enhance temperature stability without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs composite construction combining the container material with integrated phase change material and temperature control elements. This composite approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution effectively maintains the temperature of food during processing, preventing unwanted heating or cooling, thus ensuring optimal conditions for various food types, such as keeping yeast dough at room temperature during kneading.

Implementation Method 1

A phase change material fills at least a portion of the enclosed space and is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner surface the wall. The phase change material changes phases at a predetermined temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The phase change material may be charged to a predetermined temperature and will maintain that temperature while absorbing heat from or providing heat to the food being processed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

The phase change material is in thermal communication with one surface of at least a portion of the one or more walls. The opposing surface of the portion of the one or more walls in thermal communication with phase change material is in contact with the food while it is being processed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230399557A1Bowls and attachments for food processing apparatuses

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An accessory for a food processing apparatus includes a wall having an inner and outer surface. An enclosed space is defined by the inner surface of the wall. A phase change material fills at least a portion of the enclosed space and is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner surface the wall. The phase change material changes phases at a predetermined temperature.