Microwave Infusion Device With Shielded Extraction Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion preparation devices fail to maintain the quality of volatile compounds in microwave-based extraction, leading to over-heating and degradation, and require additional containers for drinking.
Innovation Solution
A leak-tight device with electromagnetic radiation shielding and thermal insulation, allowing pressure up to 1.5 bar without increasing the upper tank temperature, featuring a funnel with a needle and circular piece for capsule extraction, and a cover with thermal shielding to maintain infusion quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device uses microwave radiation for heating the extraction fluid, then the extraction efficiency and volatile compound extraction are improved, but the infusion temperature becomes too high causing degradation of volatile compounds and carbonization of the solid material
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the heating function into two separate zones: the lower tank (boiler) which is transparent to microwave radiation and heats the extraction fluid, and the upper tank (condensation tank) which contains electromagnetic shielding to prevent direct microwave heating of the infusion. This segmentation allows the extraction fluid to reach high temperatures for efficient extraction while the infusion remains at lower temperatures to preserve volatile compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shielding acts as an intermediary between the microwave radiation source and the infusion in the upper tank. The shielding blocks microwave radiation from directly heating the infusion, allowing the extraction fluid to be heated efficiently while preventing the infusion from overheating and degrading volatile compounds.
2Productivity
If the device operates under high pressure to extract volatile compounds, then the extraction performance is improved, but the temperature increases causing degradation of aromatic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the high-pressure extraction zone (lower tank) from the low-temperature collection zone (upper tank). The lower tank operates under pressure to extract volatile compounds efficiently, while the upper tank maintains lower temperatures to preserve aromatic compounds, resolving the contradiction between extraction performance and compound preservation.
3Temperature
If the device allows rapid cooling of the infusion, then the temperature is reduced to drinking temperature, but the volatile compounds degrade and the infusion quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic shielding in the upper tank acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct microwave heating of the infusion, allowing controlled cooling while preserving volatile compounds. The shielding ensures that the infusion cools gradually without exposure to intense electromagnetic radiation that would cause rapid temperature changes and compound degradation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the device uses multiple filters to connect tanks, then the infusion quality is improved, but the pressure increases causing temperature rise and potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies filtering locally at the point where the extraction fluid enters the upper tank, rather than using multiple filters throughout the system. This localized filtering approach maintains infusion quality while minimizing pressure buildup that would occur with multiple filters in series.
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 device preserves the flavor and aroma of infusions by preventing volatile compound degradation and allows direct drinking from the device, achieving a temperature of 40-50°C without additional containers.
Implementation Method 1
The device described in the invention is characterized in that it contains a shielding that reflects the electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The device is suitable for preparing infusions in microwave
Implementation Method 3
the preparation of infusions is carried out by the vapour-liquid extraction of the solid to be extracted
Implementation Method 4
A stream of extractant fluid (liquid or vapor) penetrates the extraction area that contains the bed of the solid to be extracted and flows into a condensation tank that stores the infusion
Data Source
Figure 1~24c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention describes a device for preparing infusions, suitable for preparing infusions in a microwave. The device comprises: a lower tank transparent to electromagnetic radiation, with a valve; an upper tank screwed to the lower tank; a funnel that connects the tanks; an extraction area containing material to be extracted with filtering means; a cover; and means for making the device leak tight, the device comprising areas for shielding against electromagnetic waves in the extraction area, the upper tank and the cover. In the preferred embodiments, the device comprises a float, needles and thermal reinforcement areas. The device allows infusions to be obtained without the volatile compounds degrading.