Cast Iron Range Cooker Dual-Element Heating for Rapid Temperature Rise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-heat storage electric ovens take a long time to heat up to cooking temperature, which is inefficient and differs from the desirable rapid heating and constant readiness of heat storage cookers.
Innovation Solution
A range cooker design with two heating means that work in parallel to rapidly heat the oven to a preset temperature, using thermostats with different switching temperatures and user-selectable settings to prevent overshoot, allowing for rapid heating in two stages to desired temperatures, similar to heat storage cookers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single heating element is used in a non-heat storage electric oven, then the device structure is simple, but the heating time is long and the oven cannot reach cooking temperature quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two independent heating elements (first and second heating means) that can operate separately or simultaneously. Each heating element is controlled by its own thermostat, allowing the system to deliver high power when rapid heating is needed while maintaining simplicity through modular, independent components.
2Speed
If a high power heating element is used to heat the oven rapidly, then the heating speed is fast, but the temperature may overshoot the preset value
Solution Approach 1:
Each heating element is equipped with its own thermostat that provides feedback control. The first thermostat controls the first heating element and the second thermostat controls the second heating element, allowing the system to monitor and adjust heating in real-time to prevent temperature overshoot while maintaining rapid heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two heating elements that can operate at different power levels. During rapid heating phase, both elements operate at full power for maximum heating speed. As the oven approaches the target temperature, the thermostats selectively reduce or shut off individual elements to prevent overshoot, enabling partial action based on real-time temperature conditions.
3Loss of time
If the oven is heated rapidly to cooking temperature, then the heating time is reduced, but energy efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system operates in periodic cycles with distinct phases: a rapid heating phase where both heating elements operate at full power to quickly raise the oven temperature, followed by a maintenance phase where the thermostats cycle the heating elements on and off to maintain the target temperature. This periodic action minimizes total energy consumption by reducing the time the oven needs to be heated while avoiding continuous high-power operation.
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
Enables the oven to reach cooking temperature quickly and maintain it consistently, providing the benefits of heat storage cookers like rapid heating and constant readiness, while preventing overheating and energy inefficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each cavity 110, 120 is provided with heating means for heating the cavity to a desired temperature when required
Implementation Method 2
Associated with the elements of the first heating means 150 are two thermostats. One has a switching temperature or set point (where it changes from closed to open) of 148 degrees Centigrade, the other 192 degrees Centigrade
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A cast iron range cooker comprises at least one oven cavity which is accessed through a door; a first heating means comprising at least one electrical heating element which selectively heats the inside of the cavity, the at least one heating element being selectively connected to a power supply in series with at least one first thermostat, a second heating means comprising at least one electrical heating element which selectively heats the inside of the cavity, the at least one heating element being selectively connectable to a power supply in series with at least one second thermostat that switches at a higher temperature than the first thermostat, and a user operable input device which has at least two user selectable temperature settings for the oven cavity, at least one of which corresponds to the cavity being heated to a predefined temperature corresponding to the switching temperature of the second thermostat. The user operable input device causes both the heating means to be connected to the power source so that on initial heating both the heating means apply heat to the cavity until the switching temperature of the thermostat of the first heating means is reached and the first heating means is switched off, thereafter heating continuing using the second heating means until the switching temperature of the second thermostat is reached.