Induction-based food holding/warming system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional food warming and holding systems using steam tables are inefficient due to thermal inertia, unpredictable temperature control, and require a water supply, while induction heating is not compatible with non-magnetic materials like 300-series stainless steel, leading to noise from cooling fans.
Innovation Solution
Using induction heating with a pan or tray made of cold-worked 303 stainless steel, operating at a frequency of 40-60 kHz and employing an induction coil with a higher number of turns and lower current to create a strong magnetic field, eliminating the need for cooling fans and providing efficient, quiet heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If steam tables are used for food warming, then heating is achieved, but the system is slow to heat food due to thermal inertia of water and has unpredictable temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam-based heating system with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware and food. This substitution eliminates the thermal inertia of water and steam, providing faster and more predictable temperature control through direct electromagnetic energy transfer to the ferromagnetic cookware.
2Use of energy by moving object
If induction heating is used with non-magnetic materials like 300-series stainless steel, then heating efficiency improves, but the system generates heat requiring cooling fans that create noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic property parameter of the cookware by specifying ferromagnetic materials (such as 400-series stainless steel, carbon steel, or enameled ferromagnetic materials) instead of non-magnetic materials. This parameter change enables effective induction heating with lower energy loss, reducing the need for aggressive cooling and eliminating noise from cooling fans.
3Ease of operation
If steam tables are used for food holding, then heating function is provided, but the system requires water supply and drainage infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-based steam table system with an induction heating system that requires no water supply or drainage infrastructure. The electromagnetic induction heating method provides the same food warming function without the complexity of water management systems, making it suitable for locations where water infrastructure is limited or expensive.
4Power
If traditional induction heating is used, then heating is achieved, but cooling fans are required that operate loudly in customer environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cookware to ferromagnetic materials that are highly responsive to induction heating. This parameter change improves the coupling efficiency between the induction field and the cookware, reducing energy loss as heat in the heating element itself, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for cooling fans and their associated noise.
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 efficient, fast, and predictable heating of food without the need for water replenishment or noisy cooling fans, while being compatible with non-magnetic stainless steel pans, offering improved energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
the pan or tray is heated using an induction heating unit... an induction inverter is used which operates in a preferred frequency range of about 40-60 kHz
Implementation Method 2
induction heating... employs an induction coil with a higher number of turns and lower current to create a strong magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
induction heating unit... operating at a frequency of 40-60 kHz and employing an induction coil with a higher number of turns and lower current to create a strong magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for holding and warming food includes a container for holding and warming food. The container consists of 300-series stainless steel. The system further includes an induction heating unit with an induction heating circuit for induction heating the container. The induction heating circuit includes a 120 volt induction coil having 40 or more turns. The induction heating circuit operates at a frequency greater than 30 kilohertz.