Thawing Device Mechanical Actuation Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tempering and thawing temperature-controlled items are inefficient in accelerating the thawing process and require complex mechanisms for partial compression, with limited frequency and acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A device that directly applies mechanical actuation to the material to be tempered, using a mechanical actuating element coupled to the material, allowing for targeted movement and heat transfer acceleration through pivoting movements, which creates inhomogeneous flows and rapid mixing of frozen and thawed portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If indirect movement transmission through heating element pivoting is used, then the thawing process is accelerated, but movement transmission disruptions occur and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuating element from the heating element assembly, separating the mechanical actuation function from the thermal processing function. This allows direct application of movement to the material while the heating element remains stationary, simplifying the overall mechanism and eliminating transmission disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it directly transmits mechanical movement to the material, compresses the material to improve heat transfer, and can be independently controlled without being coupled to the heating element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional transmission components.
2Reliability
If stationary heating elements are used, then heat transfer is stable, but thawing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement through the actuating element that directly contacts and moves the material while the heating element remains stationary. This creates dynamic heat transfer conditions with varying contact pressure and material flow, accelerating thawing while maintaining thermal stability through the stationary heating source.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element applies periodic compression and movement to the material during the heating process. This periodic action creates cycles of compression and relaxation that enhance heat penetration and material circulation, reducing overall thawing time while the stationary heating element provides continuous stable heat.
3Productivity
If direct mechanical actuation is applied to the material, then heat exchange is accelerated, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation function with the material processing function by having the actuating element directly contact and manipulate the material. This integration eliminates the need for separate transmission mechanisms and reduces overall mechanical complexity while achieving accelerated heat exchange through direct mechanical action.
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
Reduces thawing times by 30% through direct mechanical actuation, ensuring rapid heat exchange and uniform temperature gradients, avoiding disruptions in movement transmission.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred from the heating element to the temperature-controlled item
Implementation Method 2
creates inhomogeneous flows and rapid mixing of frozen and thawed portions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling the temperature of and thawing a temperature-controlled product, comprising a housing containing the temperature-controlled product, a heating module for introducing heat at least at one side of the temperature-controlled product and an actuating member, using which movement can be introduced into the temperature-controlled product. The actuating member is designed as a mechanical actuating element which extends along and ideally makes direct contact with the temperature-controlled product, and which can be controlled such that it executes a periodic and/or non-periodic movement.