In-Line Induction Heating Cartridge for Cleanable Milk Foam Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating systems for milk foams are either bulky and difficult to clean, leading to contamination, or they degrade the foam's texture when heating, and existing solutions using steam or electric heaters are inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An in-line heating device using an induction heating cartridge with a ferromagnetic insert and a primary induction coil, allowing for controlled, non-destructive heating of milk foams, featuring a removable and easily cleanable design to prevent contamination and maintain foam quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermoblock heat transfer device is used to heat milk foam, then the milk foam can be heated, but the device cannot be easily cleaned and becomes a source of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is divided into separate components: a removable heating element that can be detached from the milk flow path. This segmentation allows the heating component to be easily separated for cleaning or replacement, resolving the contradiction between heating functionality and cleaning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main device structure. This extraction enables the heating function to be maintained while the component can be easily removed for thorough cleaning, eliminating the contamination risk associated with fixed heating devices.
2Temperature
If direct steam is used to heat milk foam, then heating is achieved, but the foam texture is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
A solid heating element with controlled thermal properties acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the milk foam. This intermediary provides gentle, distributed heating that raises the temperature without the aggressive energy input of direct steam, thereby preserving the foam's delicate texture while achieving the desired heating effect.
3Temperature
If removable electric heaters are used, then heating function is provided, but electric connectors create safety hazards when manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The heating element contains a permanent magnet that magnetically couples with a corresponding magnet in the base unit, eliminating exposed electric connectors. This substitution maintains the heating function while removing the safety hazard of manipulative electric connectors.
4Temperature
If traditional heating devices are used, then heating capability is provided, but the devices are bulky and not cleanable
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into a compact, removable heating element and a base unit. This segmentation reduces the overall device footprint while enabling the heating component to be easily detached for cleaning, resolving both the bulkiness and cleanability issues of traditional heating devices.
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 provides a safe, efficient, and high-quality heating solution for milk foams, ensuring easy maintenance and operation while preventing texture degradation and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a primary heating unit (110) comprising a primary induction coil; the heating cartridge (120) comprising an insert (121) made of an electrically conductive material and being inductively heatable by an oscillating magnetic field provided by the primary heating unit (110)
Implementation Method 2
the heating path (124) being arranged inside the insert (121) so that fluid is heated while circulating through the path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to an in-line heating device (100) for heating a fluid and/or a food product and/or a fluid foam and/or a food foam, the device (100) comprising a heating cartridge (120) and a primary heating unit (1 10). The heating cartridge (120) comprises an insert (121 ) made of an electrically conductive material and being inductively heatable by an oscillating magnetic field provided by the primary heating unit (1 10). The heating cartridge (120) further comprises an inner heating path (124) through which the fluid and/or food product and/or fluid foam and/or food foam circulates. The heating path (124) is arranged inside the insert (121 ) so that fluid is heated while circulating through the path (124) and before being delivered from the device (100). The invention further relates to a foaming machine (200) providing a fluid foam and/or a food product foam, the machine being configured to receive an in-line heating device (100) as described. Still further, the invention relates to a system (300) for providing a hot fluid foam and/or a hot food product foam.