Microwave Carrier with Adjustable Dividers for Multi-Article Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave heating systems face challenges in efficiently processing a wide variety of articles with different sizes and shapes due to the need for multiple carriers, leading to increased operating expenses and reduced production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system for microwave heating that includes a frame with upper and lower support structures and a cargo volume, allowing articles to be nested and arranged to maximize space, with the use of electrically conductive slats for uniform heating and adjustable dividers and spacers to accommodate various article sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carriers are used to process different article sizes and shapes, then the system can handle article variety, but capital expenses and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with adjustable support structures and dividers that can be reconfigured to accommodate different article sizes and shapes. This universal design allows a single carrier type to perform multiple functions across various product configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carrier types while maintaining adaptability to handle diverse articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable support structures, adjustable dividers, and flexible positioning mechanisms. These dynamic components allow the carrier to be adapted on-the-fly or between runs to different article configurations, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed carrier designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carrier types are maintained for different articles, then article variety is accommodated, but operating expenses increase due to massive change outs
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal carrier design with reconfigurable features handles all article types, eliminating the need for time-consuming carrier changes between product runs. The carrier's adjustable support structures and dividers can be quickly reconfigured to match different article specifications, maintaining high production efficiency while accommodating article variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is pre-equipped with adjustable components and reconfigurable elements that can be prepared in advance for different article types. This preliminary preparation of the single carrier design allows for rapid transitions between product runs without the need for complete carrier changes, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If articles are densely packed in the cargo volume, then throughput is maximized, but heating uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates localized support structures, dividers, and positioning elements that can be adjusted to optimize both packing density and microwave exposure for different article configurations. These local quality adjustments ensure that articles are densely packed for maximum throughput while maintaining proper spacing and orientation for uniform heating throughout the cargo volume.
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 consistent and efficient heating of articles, reducing capital expenses and maximizing throughput by allowing a single carrier to process multiple article types, ensuring uniform heating and minimizing hot spots.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave radiation is a known mechanism for delivering energy to an object. The ability of microwave energy to penetrate and heat an object in a rapid and effective manner has proven advantageous in many chemical and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 2
because microwave energy is generally non-invasive, microwave heating may be particularly useful for heating dielectrically sensitive materials, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Data Source
AI summary
Carriers suitable for transporting a plurality of articles through a microwave heating zone are provided. Carriers as described herein may include an outer frame and upper and lower support structures vertically spaced from one another to provide a cargo volume into which the articles are loaded. At least a portion of the upper and/or lower support structures may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Additionally, the carrier may include removable article spacing members, such as vertical spacing members and dividers, that can be selectively inserted to adjust the size and/or shaper of the cargo volume. Carriers as described herein may be configured to receive a variety of different articles, including trays and pouches, and the articles may be loaded into the carrier in a nested or overlapping manner.