Food Processor Stirring Mode Control for Gentle Temperature Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors face challenges in achieving gentle and efficient temperature control, leading to potential food deterioration and increased energy consumption during tempering processes.

Innovation Solution

A food processor equipped with a temperature control unit, multiple temperature sensors, and a control unit that adjusts the stirring mode intensity based on temperature data to maintain efficient and gentle temperature control, using predefined stirring modes and adapting parameters such as stirring speed and duration to optimize food processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the stirring intensity is increased to improve temperature control efficiency, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the food deterioration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidfood deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring intensity is made dynamic by adjusting the stirring speed based on temperature feedback. The control unit increases stirring speed when temperature differences are large and reduces it when temperature uniformity is achieved, optimizing both efficiency and food quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system is implemented where temperature sensors continuously monitor the food temperature and feed this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the stirring intensity accordingly to maintain optimal temperature uniformity without excessive stirring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the stirring duration is extended to improve temperature control, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses temperature feedback to determine when stirring should be continued or stopped. The control unit monitors temperature uniformity in real-time and terminates stirring once the target temperature distribution is achieved, preventing unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts stirring duration based on temperature measurements without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently decides when to start and stop stirring based on predefined temperature criteria and sensor feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If the stirring speed is increased to improve temperature control efficiency, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the food structure deterioration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidfood structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring speed is dynamically adjusted rather than maintained at a constant high level. The system uses high stirring speeds only when temperature differences are significant and reduces speed when temperature uniformity approaches the target, preserving food structure while achieving temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stirring parameters (speed, duration, intensity) are changed based on temperature feedback. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to achieve optimal temperature uniformity with minimal impact on food structure, rather than using fixed aggressive stirring parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables precise, energy-efficient, and gentle temperature control, reducing food impairment and energy consumption while ensuring uniform temperature distribution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one temperature sensor (e.g. a first and/or a second temperature sensor) which is set up to record temperature data relating to the temperature of the container and/or the food

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy detection:

Implementation Method 2

a temperature control unit (in particular with a heating element), which is set up to control the temperature (in particular to heat or heat) the container from at least one side of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

an (electric) motor which is set up to drive a stirring tool in the container in order to stir the food

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3771374B1Kitchen appliance and method for operating a mixing tool of a kitchen appliance
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3771374B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3771374B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2
  • EP3771374B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A food processor (100) is described, comprising a container (104) for holding food (204) and a temperature control unit (105) configured to maintain the temperature of the container (104). The food processor (100) further comprises at least one temperature sensor (110, 111) configured to detect temperature data (210, 211) relating to the temperature of the container (104) and/or the food (204), and a motor (102) configured to drive a stirring tool (107) in the container (104) to stir the food (204). The food processor (100) also includes a control unit (101) configured to operate the temperature control unit (105) to maintain the temperature of the food (204) in the container (104) during a temperature control process.The control unit (101) is further configured to adjust a stirring mode of the stirring tool (107) during the tempering process depending on the temperature data (210, 211).