Air-Curtain Image Module for Clear Food Heating Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing devices in food processing apparatuses are hindered by oil fumes and steam, leading to unclear image capture during food heating processes.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing module with an air curtain assembly, comprising a fan and air channels, is integrated to create an airflow that blocks oil fumes from reaching the image capturing assembly, ensuring clear image capture by preventing contamination and maintaining a dust-free environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an image capturing device is disposed inside the food processing apparatus to capture images of food during heating, then users can observe the appearance of food, but oil fumes and steam will cause the image capturing device to be unable to capture images clearly
Solution Approach 1:
An air curtain assembly is introduced as an intermediary between the food processing chamber and the image capturing device. This assembly creates a barrier of air flow that prevents oil fumes and steam from reaching the image capturing device, thereby maintaining clear image capture while allowing the device to remain positioned inside the food processing apparatus for continuous observation
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain assembly utilizes pneumatic principles by generating a controlled air flow through fans or blowers. This air flow forms a protective curtain that physically blocks oil fumes and steam from contacting the image capturing device, solving the contamination problem while maintaining the device's internal positioning for optimal image capture
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 air curtain assembly effectively prevents oil fumes from reaching the image capturing device, allowing for clear image capture and reducing dust accumulation, thereby enhancing the reliability of the image capturing process in food processing apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The air curtain assembly comprises a fan and an air channel. The air channel comprises an outer opening end and an inner opening end, and the fan is disposed at the inner opening end or between the inner opening end and the outer opening end
Implementation Method 2
an air curtain assembly, wherein the shell comprises an optical channel having a lower opening end, an upper opening end and a wall surface disposed between the lower opening end and the upper opening end... the air curtain assembly is disposed on the wall surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A food processing apparatus is provided that includes: a housing structure, a food container structure which is disposed in the housing structure, and an image capturing module, which is located on the food container structure and includes a shell, an image capturing assembly and an air curtain assembly. The shell includes an optical channel which includes a lower opening end, an upper opening end and a wall surface disposed between the lower opening end and the upper opening end. The lower opening end faces the food container structure, the image capturing assembly is disposed at the upper opening end, and the air curtain assembly is disposed on the wall surface. In this way, the air curtain assembly can blow away or block the oil fumes after the food is heated, so that the image capturing module can observe the food processing clearly without being affected by the oil fumes.