Multilayer Susceptor Structure for Targeted Microwave Crisping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave susceptor structures fail to provide targeted levels of heating, browning, and crisping in specific areas of food items, limiting the ability to achieve varying degrees of cooking effects in microwave ovens.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple susceptor layers in a superposed configuration within microwave heating constructs, allowing for controlled heating, browning, and crisping by varying the number of layers in different areas, which can simulate grill marks or impart graphics on food surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single susceptor layer is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the ability to provide targeted levels of heating, browning, and crisping in specific areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor is divided into multiple separate layers that can be independently designed and positioned. Each layer can have different properties (thickness, material composition, pattern) to create different heating effects in different areas of the food package, enabling targeted heating, browning, and crisping control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer susceptor to a multi-layer susceptor structure, adding the dimension of layer stacking. This allows for vertical arrangement of different susceptor properties, creating varied heating zones without increasing horizontal complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple susceptor layers are used to achieve varying heating levels, then targeted heating control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the multi-layer susceptor structure have different properties tailored to specific heating needs. Certain areas may have thicker layers, different material compositions, or specific patterns to provide localized heating, browning, or crisping effects where needed while leaving other areas with different characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor structure uses composite construction with multiple layers that may have different material compositions, thicknesses, and properties. This allows each layer to contribute specific heating characteristics, and the combination creates the desired overall heating pattern with precise control over different cooking effects.
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
Enables precise control over heating and crisping patterns on food items, resembling grill marks or other cooking methods, while maintaining food safety and appearance, using disposable materials like paper or paperboard.
Implementation Method 1
A susceptor is a thin layer of microwave energy interactive material that tends to absorb at least a portion of impinging microwave energy and convert it to thermal energy (i.e., heat)
Implementation Method 2
convert it to thermal energy (i.e., heat), which may be transferred to the food item
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A microwave heating construct comprises a plurality of heating regions including a first heating region and a second heating region, the first heating region comprising a first layer of microwave energy interactive material, and the second heating region comprising the first layer of microwave energy interactive material and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material, wherein the second heating region is operative for heating, browning, and/or crisping an adjacent food item to a greater extent than the first heating region.