Food Processor Heat Evacuation Using Differential Thermal Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing appliances for heating and frothing milk are not well-suited for reliable heat management, hygiene, and mechanical conditioning, often resulting in encrustation issues and cumbersome cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a container that is mechanically and electrically passive, featuring a module with an oscillating electromagnetic field generator for controlled heating and a magnetic coupling system for the impeller, which promotes heat evacuation and easy cleaning, while minimizing exposure to unwanted heat and mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed stirring and drive mechanism is used in the tank, then the mechanical food conditioning is provided, but the cleaning becomes troublesome and encrustation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical food conditioningVSAvoidcleaning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mechanism is extracted from the tank interior and positioned externally. The magnetic coupling system allows the driver device to be located outside the tank while still providing mechanical conditioning through magnetic interaction with the follower device inside the tank, eliminating the need for fixed mechanical components within the tank that would encrust and require cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact drive systems with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field transmits rotational force from the driver device to the follower device without physical contact, eliminating mechanical seals and bearings that would require maintenance and cleaning, while still providing effective mechanical food conditioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If heating components are positioned close to the container for efficient heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but unwanted heat exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidunwanted heat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic coupling intermediary system that allows the driver device to be positioned externally while still effectively driving the follower device inside the container. This intermediary magnetic field transmission enables the heating elements to be optimally positioned for heating efficiency while the magnetic drive components remain external, reducing unwanted heat exposure to mechanical parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for drive and control, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive and control functions into an integrated magnetic coupling system. The driver device externally and the follower device internally work together as a unified magnetic transmission system, reducing the number of separate mechanical components while maintaining enhanced control functionality through magnetic field interaction and electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 machine provides reliable heat management, improved hygiene, and efficient mechanical conditioning of milk, reducing encrustation and simplifying cleaning processes, with effective heat control and minimal exposure to unwanted heat sources.

Implementation Method 1

a generator (23) of an oscillating electromagnetic field directed to the container (10) for heating the food substance in the container (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillating electromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

drive and control means which are in a cavity located between the inner tank and the outer stand, and which communicate with a switch and electrical connections located on the outer surface of the stand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3310227B1Heat management for food processor

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

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AI summary

A machine (1) for heating a food substance has: a container (10) delimiting a cavity (10') for containing the food substance. The machine further includes a module (20) comprising a housing means (22') that contains an inner chamber (22, 22a) and that delimits a seat (21) for the container (10). The chamber (22, 22a) contains a generator (23) of an oscillating electromagnetic field directed to the container (10) for heating the food substance in the container (10) and at least one electric component (23, 24, 25, 26) radiating heat within the chamber (22, 22a). The housing means (22') has a separation section (22'') and a distinct outside section (22'''). The separation section (22''') separates the chamber (22, 22a) from the seat (21), the outside section (22''') being separated from the seat (21) by the chamber (22, 22a). The separation section (22'') and the outside section (22''') have such respective thermal conductivities as to promote an evacuation of the heat radiated within the chamber (22, 22a) outside the module (20) via the outside section (22''') rather than into the container (10) via the separation section (22'').