In-Line Induction Heating Cartridge for Milk Foam Temperature Control
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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 destroy the foam's texture when heating, and existing solutions lack controlled, on-demand heating capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An in-line heating device using induction technology with a removable and easily cleanable heating cartridge, comprising an outer conductive insert and an inner heating path, heated by an oscillating magnetic field, allowing for controlled and gentle heating of milk foams without compromising their 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 becomes bulky and difficult to clean, leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is divided into separate components: a removable heating element that can be detached from the main body. This segmentation allows the heating component to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, solving the contradiction between heating capability and cleaning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main device structure. This extraction enables independent cleaning and maintenance of the heating portion without disassembling the entire device, addressing both the heating function and cleaning accessibility.
2Productivity
If direct steam is injected to heat milk foam, then the heating is efficient, but the foam texture is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
A thin metal sheet serves as an intermediary between the heating source and the milk foam. The metal sheet is heated by induction and then gently transfers heat to the foam through conduction, avoiding direct steam injection while maintaining heating efficiency and preserving foam texture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical direct steam injection system is replaced with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction field heats the metal intermediary, which then thermally conducts heat to the foam, substituting a mechanical direct-contact system with a non-contact electromagnetic system that better preserves foam structure.
3Ease of operation
If removable electric heaters are used, then the heating is controllable, but electric connectors may be dangerous when manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional electric connector systems are replaced with electromagnetic induction coupling. The heating element is heated wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating exposed electric connectors and associated safety hazards while maintaining precise heating control through electronic regulation of the induction field.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin metal sheet serves as both the heating surface and an electrical isolation barrier. This thin film structure provides controlled heating while preventing direct electrical contact, thereby eliminating connector safety hazards while maintaining heating controllability.
4Device complexity
If batch heating is used in induction systems, then the heating is simple, but in-line and controlled heating is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from static batch heating to dynamic in-line heating. The removable heating element can be quickly inserted and removed, enabling continuous processing while maintaining simple induction heating principles. The system adapts to different heating durations and intensities by controlling the timing and parameters of induction heating during the in-line process.
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 easy-to-clean solution for heating milk foams on demand, maintaining their quality and texture while preventing contamination, with quick heating capabilities and a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a primary heating unit which comprises a primary induction coil; an outer insert, made of an electrically conductive material, and being inductively heatable by an oscillating magnetic field provided by the primary heating unit
Implementation Method 2
The heating path being arranged inside the outer insert so that fluid is heated while circulating through the path
Data Source
AI summary
A foaming machine providing a fluid foam and/or a food product foam, the machine being configured to receive an in-line heating device, the in-line heating device includes a primary heating unit and a heating cartridge. The heating cartridge includes an inner heating path. A system for providing a hot fluid foam and/or a hot food product foam.