Device and method for processing food items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing devices require complex stirring mechanisms and kinematics, which complicate the automated processing of food items and can lead to inefficient heating and mixing.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a steam-generating unit with a steam probe having steam-dispensing openings, capable of linear and rotational movement, to supply steam directly to food items in a receptacle, simplifying the processing by eliminating the need for complex kinematics and allowing for targeted energy distribution and thorough mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complicated stirring mechanism is used to mix food items, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stirring system with a steam-based processing system. A steam probe delivers steam directly to the food items, using steam's thermal and fluid dynamics properties to achieve mixing and processing without mechanical contact. The steam probe can move vertically and rotate, but the actual mixing is accomplished through steam injection rather than mechanical stirring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of mixing from the mechanical stirring mechanism and achieves it through steam delivery. By removing the complex stirring components and retaining only the steam generation and delivery system, the patent simplifies the device while maintaining processing effectiveness.
2Productivity
If steam is supplied directly into food items, then processing efficiency is improved, but risk of food damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam probe is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing vertical movement along the stroke axis and rotational movement around it. This dynamic positioning enables the probe to adjust its depth and orientation based on food volume and type, optimizing steam delivery while preventing excessive localized heating that could damage the food.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe features multiple steam-dispensing openings arranged at different positions and orientations. This allows selective steam delivery to different regions of the food, providing localized processing where needed while avoiding over-processing in other areas, thus preventing food damage while maintaining efficiency.
3Loss of time
If high stroke speed is used for probe movement, then processing time is reduced, but mixing thoroughness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam probe executes periodic cycles of rapid descent to deliver steam, followed by slower return movement and rotational adjustments. During the steam delivery phase, the probe moves quickly to minimize processing time, then performs slower rotational movements and repositioning to ensure thorough steam distribution and mixing throughout the food items.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe performs preliminary rapid positioning and steam delivery to achieve quick heating, followed by subsequent slower movements that facilitate thorough mixing. The sequence of operations is pre-programmed to optimize both speed and mixing quality at different stages of the processing cycle.
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 solution enables efficient, automated, and homogeneous processing of food items with reduced processing time and energy expenditure, preventing food damage and ensuring thorough mixing without the need for complicated stirring mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a steam-generating unit (11) for generating steam, b. a steam supply unit (17), which is connected to the steam-generating unit (11), for supplying steam to the receptacle (2)
Implementation Method 2
The steam probe (32) has a plurality of free end portions (36), in particular precisely four free end portions, wherein each end portion has at least one steam-dispensing opening (33)
Implementation Method 3
The steam probe is in particular of tubular design. The steam supply unit has a steam probe stroke drive in order to permit a stroke movement of the steam probe along a stroke axis at a stroke speed
Data Source
AI summary
A device for processing food items arranged in a receptacle includes a steam-generating unit for generating steam, and a steam supply unit, which is connected to the steam-generating unit, for supplying steam to the receptacle. The steam supply unit has a steam probe having at least one steam-dispensing opening, and also has a steam probe stroke drive for a stroke movement of the steam probe along a stroke axis.