Heated food processor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors lack the ability to efficiently and accurately control the temperature of processed food items during heating, which can lead to overcooking or degradation of temperature-sensitive ingredients.

Innovation Solution

A food processing system with a heat distribution element and a controller that evaluates successive temperature changes to maintain the fluid temperature within a processing chamber at a target temperature, using an algorithm to adjust heating element operation and ensure temperature stability within an allowable tolerance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a heater is integrated into the food processor to provide heating functionality, then the functionality of the food processor is increased, but the temperature control precision deteriorates due to lack of accurate temperature monitoring and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the food product and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and adjusts the heating element's power output accordingly, maintaining temperature within a predetermined range. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the temperature control precision issue while preserving heating functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual temperature monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The controller electronically regulates the heating element based on sensor input, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing precise temperature control. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic automation resolves the precision problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If heating is applied to food items in the processing chamber, then the food items are heated to desired temperature, but thermal gradients cause uneven heating and degradation of temperature-sensitive ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple heating elements positioned at different locations within the processing chamber, allowing different regions to be heated independently. The controller can activate specific heating zones based on the spatial distribution of food items and their heating requirements. This localized heating approach reduces thermal gradients and ensures more uniform temperature distribution throughout the food product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic heating cycles with alternating heating and mixing phases. The heating element operates in intervals rather than continuously, followed by mixing periods that redistribute the food items and equalize temperature distribution. This periodic action prevents excessive local heating and reduces thermal gradients, maintaining temperature uniformity while achieving overall heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 achieves precise temperature control, reducing thermal gradients and ensuring that food items are heated to the desired temperature without exceeding tolerance limits, thereby preserving the integrity of temperature-sensitive ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

a heat distribution element for transferring heat to a fluid within said processing chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

comprising a sensor for detecting said changes in temperature of said heat distribution element said sensor being operably coupled to said controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS12383101B2Heated food processor

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A food processing system includes a food processing base, an attachment configurable with said food processing base, said attachment including a processing chamber, a heat distribution element for transferring heat to a fluid within said processing chamber, and a controller associated with the system. The controller is programmable to evaluate a plurality of successive changes in temperature of said heat distribution element, and a value of each temperature change between each of said plurality of successive changes in temperature to determine if a fluid temperature in said processing chamber is equal to a target temperature.