Camera Viewport Localized Pyrolytic Cleaning for Oven Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The camera viewport in ovens becomes obstructed by dirt and heat residue during cooking, requiring a cleaning method that is efficient and does not consume excessive energy.
Innovation Solution
A localized pyrolytic self-cleaning cycle is performed using a camera viewport heating element to heat the view port glass, allowing for quick and energy-efficient cleaning without engaging the oven's main heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full oven pyrolytic cycle is used to clean the viewport glass, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oven cleaning function into two separate systems: a full oven pyrolytic heating system for comprehensive cleaning, and a dedicated camera viewport heating element for localized viewport glass cleaning. This segmentation allows the viewport to be cleaned independently without activating the entire oven heating system, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning a dedicated heating element specifically at the camera viewport location. This localized heating approach concentrates thermal energy only where needed (the viewport glass) rather than heating the entire oven cavity, achieving effective viewport cleaning with minimal energy expenditure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a localized pyrolytic cycle is used for the camera viewport, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the cleaning coverage is limited to only the viewport glass
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cleaning function into two modes: localized viewport cleaning using the dedicated heating element, and comprehensive oven cleaning using the full pyrolytic cycle. This segmentation provides adaptability by allowing the system to select the appropriate cleaning scope based on the specific cleaning needs, whether it's just the viewport or the entire oven interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it can operate independently for localized viewport glass cleaning, or work in conjunction with the main oven heating elements for comprehensive pyrolytic cleaning. This multi-functionality ensures the system can adapt to different cleaning scenarios while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If the camera operates continuously to monitor the cavity, then the functionality is maintained, but the viewport glass accumulates dirt and heat residue faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by periodically activating the dedicated viewport heating element to prevent dirt and heat residue accumulation on the viewport glass. This proactive maintenance approach keeps the camera view clear without requiring the camera to be removed or the oven to undergo full cleaning cycles, thus maintaining continuous camera functionality while preventing contaminant buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera viewport cleaning system operates autonomously through a dedicated heating element that can be activated independently of the main oven cleaning cycle. The system self-regulates by monitoring camera operation status and initiating viewport cleaning when necessary, allowing the camera to maintain its monitoring function while the viewport is automatically kept clean through self-service cleaning 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
The solution ensures the camera maintains a clear view by effectively removing dirt and heat residue from the viewport glass, enhancing the camera's functionality without the energy intensity of a full oven pyrolytic cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a localized pyrolytic cycle to clean a view port glass protecting an image sensor of the camera from heat or detritus in the cavity of the oven
Implementation Method 2
a camera viewport heating element configured to provide localized heating to the view port glass
Data Source
AI summary
A dedicated self-cleaning cycle for a camera for imaging a cavity of an oven is provided. An indication is received to perform a localized pyrolytic cycle to clean a view port glass protecting an image sensor of the camera from heat or detritus in the cavity of the oven. Responsive to the indication, a camera viewport heating element configured to provide localized heating to the view port glass is operated to perform the localized pyrolytic cycle. The camera is utilized to view the cavity of the oven.