Yogurt Maker Thermal Control for Ambient Temperature Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric domestic yogurt makers face challenges in producing high-quality yogurts, cottage cheese, or fermented milk across varying ambient temperatures, often resulting in yogurts that are not firm or creamy, especially when used in rooms with temperatures different from the usual environment, and struggle with the production of 0% fat yogurts.

Innovation Solution

An electric domestic yogurt maker with a temperature-controlled heating base and sensor system that adjusts heating power phases based on measured ambient temperatures, using distinct programs for different temperature ranges to ensure precise temperature control and efficient heating, including an initial high-power phase followed by a lower-power maintenance phase, and accommodating various environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If a low-power heating element is used in the air or against the bottom of a tank, then energy consumption is reduced, but the heating speed becomes much slower and may extend over more than six hours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheating speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a water reservoir as an intermediary thermal medium between the heating element and the yogurt containers. The heating element heats the water, which then circulates through channels in the base to provide controlled thermal energy to the containers. This intermediary system allows efficient heat transfer while maintaining moderate power consumption and achieving proper heating speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If heating means are arranged in paraffin, then the device can handle preparations at 8°C or 20°C, but the heat input is limited to the first part of the production time and the device is difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range handlingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex paraffin-based heating system with an electrical heating element combined with a water circulation system. This substitution eliminates the need for paraffin containment and complex thermal management mechanisms, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to handle a wide temperature range of milk preparations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is mounted under the heating plate at a distance from the heating means, then the thermal image of the preparation temperature is more reliable, but the temperature control precision for wide ambient temperature ranges becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidambient temperature range adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple temperature control programs that can be dynamically selected based on ambient temperature conditions. The system includes a first program for ambient temperatures of 10°C or higher and a second program for ambient temperatures below 10°C. This dynamic program selection allows the system to adapt to wide ambient temperature ranges while maintaining reliable temperature measurement and control through the remotely mounted sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for the production of high-quality, firm, and creamy yogurts across a wide range of ambient temperatures, including warmer and colder environments, while facilitating the production of 0% fat yogurts by providing reliable thermal control and optimized heating strategies.

Implementation Method 1

heating means capable of bringing the temperature of the preparation placed in the container or containers within a temperature range allowing the production of yogurt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the control means comprising a sensor for measuring the temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2866574B1Electric household yogurt-maker suitable for cold and/or hot environments

Publication Date: 2017.01.04 SEB SA

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric household yogurt-maker, comprising an enclosure (1) accommodating at least one container (2) provided to receive a preparation of milk and ferments, a heating means (4), as well as a drive means (5) including a sensor (30) for measuring the temperature, a microprocessor (31) comprising at least one program for producing a fermented preparation, and a control device (32) comprising at least one control configuration for producing a type of fermented preparation. According to the invention, the microprocessor (31) comprises at least one other program for producing a fermented preparation and the control device (32) in the control configuration implements either the program for producing a fermented preparation, or one of the other programs for producing a fermented preparation on the basis of a temperature measured by the sensor (30). The invention also relates to a method for operating the aforementioned electric household yogurt-maker.