Central Manifold Burner Assembly for Uniform Oven Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large ovens used in commercial tortilla production are energy-intensive, require significant time and monetary expense to build and adjust for uniform cooking, and have complex designs with high part counts and varied burner arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A burner assembly design featuring a central manifold that feeds a fuel mixture to both upstream and downstream arrays of burners, allowing for longer, easier-to-manufacture, and assemble burner assemblies that can be inserted below the conveyor surface, with optional air-fuel flow adjustment valves conveniently located for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional burner assemblies are used with separate manifolds for upstream and downstream burners, then the burner arrangement can provide heating to both directions, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate upstream and downstream manifolds into a single integrated manifold structure. This single manifold contains both upstream runners and downstream runners that distribute fuel to respective burner arrays, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly operations while maintaining the capability to heat both upstream and downstream directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fuel to upstream burners through upstream runners, distributes fuel to downstream burners through downstream runners, and provides a centralized structure for both functions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Productivity
If multiple separate manifolds are used for different burner decks, then each deck can be independently controlled, but the number of parts increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple deck-specific manifolds into a single multi-level manifold structure. This single manifold contains vertically stacked intake manifolds for different decks, reducing the total number of separate parts while enabling independent control of each deck through internally separated runner systems that distribute fuel to specific deck levels.
3Ease of operation
If adjustment valves are distributed across different locations for different burners, then each burner can be independently adjusted, but the ease of operation decreases due to scattered valve locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines adjustment valves for multiple burners and decks into a single centralized location on the manifold. All air-fuel flow adjustment valves are positioned together at one accessible point, allowing operators to adjust all burners from a single location rather than traveling to scattered valve positions throughout the oven cavity.
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 design enhances efficiency and simplifies assembly within the oven cavity, reduces parts and labor costs, and allows for easier adjustment of air-fuel mixture flow, leading to more uniform cooking and reduced operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
an air/fuel mixture diffuser extending through a wall of the internal passage portion and configured to discharge the gaseous air/fuel mixture from the internal passage portion into the interior of the oven enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable valve disposed in the internal passage and configured to adjustable restrict flow of the gaseous air-fuel mixture through the internal passage
Implementation Method 3
A variety of corn and flour food products, such as tortillas and chips, are made at a commercial scale with large, specialized ovens
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-deck burner assembly for a conveyor-type oven can include a central manifold feeding fuel to upstream and downstream arrays of burners. Other burner assemblies can include pilot burners disposed at approximately a midway point along a longitudinal direction of the burners, thereby enabling the use of longer burners, and thus more efficient burner assembly design. Some burner assemblies can include both a centrally located manifold feeding upstream and downstream arrays and pilot burners disposed at approximately midpoints along the longitudinal lengths of both the upstream and downstream arrays.