Packaging for heating a product, electromagnetic induction oven and heating method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for products heated in electromagnetic induction furnaces experiences uneven heat distribution, leading to browning of the lid and potential energy losses, as the cardboard cover acts as a thermal insulator when the heating device is not an inductor cooperating with the upper tray.
Innovation Solution
A packaging design with a pivotally mounted lid featuring a central and peripheral zone, where the central zone is cut out to face an electrically conductive sheet, and an induction oven with detection means to prevent heating when the lid is in the closed position, ensuring even heating and reducing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lid remains in the closed position during heating, then the packaging maintains mechanical strength and protects the product, but the cardboard cover acts as a thermal insulator causing uneven heat distribution and browning
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a peripheral zone that remains attached to the packaging and provides mechanical strength, and a central zone that can be detached or positioned away from the heating zone to eliminate thermal insulation interference with heat distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The central zone of the lid is extracted or removed from the heating zone during the heating process, allowing electromagnetic radiation to directly reach the product without being blocked by the cardboard material, while the peripheral zone remains to maintain packaging integrity
2Reliability
If the lid is kept closed during heating, then product protection is maintained, but energy losses increase due to thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into functional zones where the peripheral zone provides protection and the central zone is removed or repositioned during heating to reduce energy losses while maintaining product protection through the peripheral zone
Solution Approach 2:
The lid configuration is made dynamic, allowing it to change from a fully closed protective state to a partially open state during heating, optimizing both protection and energy efficiency at different stages of the heating process
3Ease of operation
If the packaging is introduced closed in the heating zone, then handling operations are simplified, but heat distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The lid's central zone is separated from the peripheral zone, allowing the packaging to be introduced closed for ease of handling while the central zone can be independently positioned away from the heating zone to ensure even heat distribution
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 packaging allows for better heat distribution and energy efficiency while maintaining mechanical strength, preventing the cardboard cover from acting as a thermal insulator and reducing the risk of browning, thus optimizing the heating process.
Implementation Method 1
The product is placed between the two aluminum trays... The packaging includes an electrically conductive sheet installed so as to separate the food product and the bottom
Data Source
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AI summary
The packaging (10) for a food product comprises a cardboard box having a base (11) and a lid (13). The lid (13) is pivotally mounted on a hinge fixed to the base (11). An electrically conductive sheet (14) is installed so as to separate the food product from the base (11). The lid (13) is cut by means of a cutting line extending to define a central zone (16) and a peripheral zone (17), each pivotally mounted with respect to the base (11). The central zone (16) lies within the peripheral zone (17). The central zone (16) faces the electrically conductive sheet (14) and extends partially into a front side wall of the lid (13) opposite the side wall supporting the hinge (12).