Multifunction programmable foodstuff preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food preparation devices require multiple containers and manual intervention, are not substantially automated, and cannot operate in low or zero-gravity environments, limiting their effectiveness in commercial and extraterrestrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A programmable food preparation system that includes a container with thermoelectric devices for thermal regulation, thermal conduits for energy exchange, and control circuitry to automate the food preparation process, allowing for mixing and thermal management in a single chamber, suitable for terrestrial and extraterrestrial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ingredient dispensers and mixers use separate chambers for mixing and heating, then the food preparation process can be completed, but multiple containers or vessels are required and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mixing chamber and heating chamber into a single integrated container, eliminating the need for separate vessels. The mixing device and thermoelectric heating/cooling devices work together within the same container, resolving the contradiction between food preparation efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mixing chamber and the heating/cooling chamber. The thermoelectric devices provide both heating and cooling capabilities within the same container, enabling the container to perform multiple operations without requiring separate specialized vessels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ingredient dispensers and mixers are designed for terrestrial use, then they can operate in standard gravity environments, but they cannot operate in low or zero-gravity environments such as the International Space Station
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to function universally across different gravitational environments. The thermoelectric heating and cooling mechanisms do not rely on gravity-dependent processes, and the single-container design prevents issues with liquid transfer in microgravity, enabling reliable operation both on Earth and in space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical mixing and transfer mechanisms with a thermoelectric-based system that uses electrical fields and thermal gradients. This substitution eliminates the need for gravity to drive ingredient flow and mixing, allowing the device to operate reliably in zero-gravity environments.
3Extent of automation
If conventional ingredient dispensers and mixers require manual intervention, then users can control the preparation process, but the devices are not substantially automated
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates control circuitry that automatically regulates the thermoelectric heating and cooling devices based on temperature sensor feedback. The system self-regulates the preparation process without requiring continuous user intervention, achieving substantial automation while maintaining ease of operation through programmable controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors monitor the contents of the container and provide signals to the control circuitry, which adjusts the thermoelectric devices accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic temperature regulation throughout the food preparation process.
4Temperature
If thermoelectric devices are used for thermal regulation, then efficient heat exchange can be achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers waste heat from the thermoelectric heating devices and redirects it through thermal conduits to other components that require heating. This heat recovery system reduces the overall energy consumption by utilizing thermal energy that would otherwise be discarded, thereby improving thermal regulation efficiency while lowering energy requirements.
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 efficient, automated food preparation in various environments, including space, by integrating thermal management with other spacecraft systems, reducing resource usage and ensuring reliable food production regardless of gravitational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thermoelectric devices coupled to the container, where the plurality of thermoelectric devices is configured to exchange thermal energy with the container
Implementation Method 2
a first thermal conduit coupled to a first side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices, and a second thermal conduit coupled to a second side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for automatically and programmably preparing food. Devices include a container that includes a cavity configured to store at least one food ingredient, where the cavity defines an internal volume of the container. The devices also include a first plate coupled to a first end of the container, where the first plate includes at least one hole configured to receive the at least one food ingredient. The devices further include a second plate coupled to a second end of the container, and a plurality of thermoelectric devices coupled to the container, where the plurality of thermoelectric devices is configured to exchange thermal energy with the container. The devices also include a first thermal conduit coupled to a first side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices, and a second thermal conduit coupled to a second side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices.