Induction Heating Food Can Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for heating and sterilizing food in metal containers are inefficient and often require pressurized steam, which can deform or rupture the containers, and lack precise temperature control.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system using a coil to generate an alternating magnetic field that heats the metal containers, allowing for rapid sterilization of food contents to a high temperature in under 180 seconds without the need for pressurized steam, with a moving device to manage can positioning and a sensor system for real-time temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If pressurized steam is used to heat and sterilize food in metal containers, then sterilization temperature can be achieved, but container deformation or rupture occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurized steam heating system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the metal container, heating the contents directly through resistive heating without requiring external pressurization, thus avoiding container deformation while achieving sterilization temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (induction coil and magnetic field) between the heat source and the food container. Instead of directly exposing the container to pressurized steam, the magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transfers energy to the container contents through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for mechanical pressurization
2Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used, then food can be sterilized, but heating time is excessive and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternating current through the induction coil, creating an alternating magnetic field that continuously induces eddy currents in the metal container. This periodic electromagnetic action enables rapid cyclic heating, achieving sterilization in significantly less time compared to conventional continuous steam heating methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter from thermal conduction (steam to container) to electromagnetic induction (magnetic field to eddy currents). This parameter change enables much faster energy transfer and heating rates, reducing sterilization time while maintaining effectiveness
3Temperature
If conventional steam heating is used, then food can be heated, but energy transfer efficiency is low and excessive energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient thermal conduction mechanism of steam heating with electromagnetic induction. The induction coil directly couples electromagnetic energy to the metal container through magnetic field generation, creating eddy currents that produce heat internally within the container contents, achieving over 98% energy transfer efficiency and minimizing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the food container to heat itself through self-induction. The alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents within the metal container, which generates heat internally through resistive heating. This self-heating mechanism eliminates the need for external steam heating and maximizes energy transfer efficiency
4Measurement precision
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented, then precise temperature control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of the food contents, and the controller adjusts the power supplied to the induction coil based on the measured temperature. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
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 efficiently heats and sterilizes food contents with high energy conversion efficiency, reducing the risk of container deformation and providing precise temperature control, achieving over 98% energy transfer as heat to the contents.
Implementation Method 1
the induction coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field causing resistive heating of the metallic material of the food can
Implementation Method 2
the induction coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field causing resistive heating of the metallic material of the food can
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detection system for detecting temperature within a metallic can during heating is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a hermetically sealed can positioned within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil. At least a portion of the sealed can is formed from a metallic material, and the sealed can includes a food product within the can. The magnetic field causes resistive heating of the metallic material of the sealed can. The system includes a temperature sensing element located within the sealed can configured to generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the food product during heating and a memory device communicably coupled to the temperature sensing element configured to store data related to the signal received from the temperature sensing element.