Movable Electrode for Pulsed Electric Field Cooking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulsed electric field cooking devices lack efficient and reliable methods for processing food, leading to potential interruptions in the electric circuit and inefficient nutrient preservation.

Innovation Solution

A movable second electrode connected to the container wall by elastic means ensures constant contact with the food, eliminating circuit interruptions and allowing for adjustable electrode distance based on food size, using pulsed electric fields for non-thermal food processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed electrodes are used in PEF cooking devices, then the device structure is simple, but the electric circuit may be interrupted when food size varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous electric current flowVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second electrode movable instead of fixed. The electrode can adjust its position dynamically to maintain contact with food of varying sizes, ensuring continuous electric current flow during the PEF cooking process while adapting to different food dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the electrode position to vary. The movable electrode changes its spatial parameter (position) based on food size, enabling the system to maintain reliable electrical contact across different cooking scenarios without requiring a completely complex restructuring of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrode distance is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different food sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable electrode distanceVSAvoidelectrode mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrode distance adjustable through a movable second electrode that can change its position relative to the first electrode. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different food sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If electrodes are in constant contact with food, then cooking efficiency is improved, but the risk of circuit interruption increases with varying food shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a movable electrode that dynamically adjusts its position to maintain constant contact with food of varying shapes and sizes. This ensures both continuous circuit operation and efficient cooking, as the electrode adapts to different food geometries while preserving uninterrupted electrical current flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a reliable and efficient cooking process with continuous electric current flow, preserving nutritional value and sensory qualities by maintaining constant electrode contact, regardless of food size, and allowing for adjustable electric field application.

Implementation Method 1

applying electric pulses generated by a pulsed electric field generator to the electrodes such that the food product is subjected to a pulsed electric field having a field strength of 10-180 V/cm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsed electric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The processing time is calculated by multiplying the number of pulses times with effective pulse duration. The process is based on pulsed electrical currents delivered to a product placed between a set of electrodes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the movement of the second electrode is performed by elastic means or by a gravity effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the movement of the second electrode is performed by elastic means or by a gravity effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3503678B1Pulsed electric field cooking device
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3503678B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A pulsed electric field cooking device (10) comprising a container (11), a first electrode (12) being designed in a fixed position, a second electrode (13) and a pulsed electric field (PEF) generator (14) for generating electric pulses wherein the second electrode (13) is movable. The present invention provides a simple and effective pulsed electric field cooking device in which a constant connection between a cooking object and electrodes are provided. No matter of the size of the cooking object an electric current is provided without involvement of the user.