Multi-dimension heated packages and vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductively heated packaging systems struggle with reliable and controlled heat distribution, particularly in achieving complex heating profiles and targeting specific areas within packages, which limits their effectiveness in cooking and heating various food items.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inductively heated package with a heating element configured to interact with the magnetic field, featuring non-uniform arrangements of conductive elements that selectively distribute heat, allowing for three-dimensional heating and energy delivery in specific regions, including areas outside the primary magnetic field, through the use of conductive elements arranged in layers and loops to generate both eddy and resistive heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a continuous sheet of conductive material is used in conventional inductive heating packages, then the package can be heated, but the heat distribution is uneven with most energy concentrated in the region closest to the electromagnetic transmitter
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous sheet of conductive material is divided into multiple separate conductive elements arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows different regions of the package to receive different amounts of heating energy, enabling controlled heat distribution across the entire package including regions farther from the electromagnetic transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the package are assigned different heating characteristics by strategically placing conductive elements in specific locations, orientations, and densities. This allows each region to receive the appropriate amount of heat based on its specific heating requirements, achieving a desired heating profile throughout the package.
2Temperature
If conventional inductive heating systems use foils or plates that absorb induction energy, then heating occurs in the areas receiving induction energy, but it is difficult to reliably produce complex heating profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent conductive elements that can be individually positioned and configured. This allows each element to contribute to different aspects of the heating profile, enabling complex heating patterns that cannot be achieved with a single continuous foil or plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are arranged in three-dimensional space within the package, utilizing multiple dimensions for positioning. This spatial arrangement allows for sophisticated control over heat distribution patterns, enabling complex heating profiles that account for the three-dimensional structure of the packaged food items.
3Temperature
If the magnetic field strength varies over space, then heating is uneven, but it is difficult to compensate for this variation to achieve reliable heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements are strategically positioned in regions where the magnetic field is weaker to compensate for the natural gradient. By adjusting the location, orientation, and density of conductive elements based on the local magnetic field strength, the system achieves more uniform heat distribution across the entire package.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the actual temperature and magnetic field conditions within the package during heating. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the heating parameters, ensuring reliable and consistent heating results despite variations in magnetic field strength.
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 enables precise control over heat distribution, allowing for efficient cooking, browning, and crisping of foods by concentrating heat where needed, improving customer satisfaction and expanding the range of heating profiles that can be achieved in packaged items.
Implementation Method 1
conductive elements arranged in layers and loops to generate both eddy and resistive heating
Implementation Method 2
conductive elements arranged in layers and loops to generate both eddy and resistive heating
Implementation Method 3
inductively heated package with a heating element configured to interact with the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for integrating inductive heating into packaging and other product vessels that allows for controlled heat distribution. The system and method provides for multidimensional heating of a packaged item on multiple sides at the same time using electromagnetic energy emitted from a single source. The inductively heated package may include a heating element having a plurality of conductive elements configured to implement a desired heating profile. The conductive elements may be arranged in layers to allow heating on different surfaces of a packaged item. Each layer of the heating element may be configured to distribute the available energy as needed for an ultimate cooking experience. The present invention provides a method of design where the sum of the available energy is distributed in accordance with the desired heating profile. The heating method enables boxes, vessels, wrappers, pouches, bags, and other containers