Combination cooking oven with operator friendly humidity control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination ovens require users to manually set humidity levels, which is complex and often leads to underutilization, as users prefer simpler operation modes like convection or steam cooking.
Innovation Solution
A combination oven with a controller that automatically sets humidity levels based on selected temperature, using a moisture delivery and vent intake/exhaust system, and includes sensors for humidity monitoring, allowing for easy selection and adjustment of humidity settings through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual humidity level setting is required in combination ovens, then cooking precision can be controlled, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines and adjusts humidity levels based on selected cooking modes and temperatures, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system self-regulates by monitoring cooking parameters and autonomously controlling moisture delivery and venting operations to maintain optimal humidity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts humidity parameters based on pre-programmed temperature-humidity profiles corresponding to different cooking modes. When a user selects a cooking mode, the controller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate temperature-humidity profile, changing humidity settings without requiring manual user intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual humidity level setting is required in combination ovens, then cooking precision can be controlled, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines and adjusts humidity levels based on selected cooking modes and temperatures, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system self-regulates by monitoring cooking parameters and autonomously controlling moisture delivery and venting operations to maintain optimal humidity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts humidity parameters based on pre-programmed temperature-humidity profiles corresponding to different cooking modes. When a user selects a cooking mode, the controller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate temperature-humidity profile, changing humidity settings without requiring manual user intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex controls are provided for humidity setting, then cooking precision can be achieved, but productivity and utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines and adjusts humidity levels based on selected cooking modes and temperatures, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system self-regulates by monitoring cooking parameters and autonomously controlling moisture delivery and venting operations to maintain optimal humidity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts humidity parameters based on pre-programmed temperature-humidity profiles corresponding to different cooking modes. When a user selects a cooking mode, the controller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate temperature-humidity profile, changing humidity settings without requiring manual user intervention.
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 users to easily take advantage of combined steam and convection cooking modes by automatically controlling humidity, enhancing cooking outcomes without the need for complex humidity settings, thus increasing the oven's utilization and cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture delivery arrangement for delivering moisture into the cooking cavity
Implementation Method 2
In steamers heat is transferred by steam condensing on the surface of the foodstuff
Implementation Method 3
In convection ovens heat energy is transferred to the surface of foodstuffs by convection from heated air moving through the oven cavity and over the surface of the foodstuff
Implementation Method 4
a humidity level monitoring arrangement associated with the cooking cavity for determining humidity level within the cooking cavity, the humidity level monitoring arrangement including at least one sensor operatively connected with the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A combination oven includes a cooking cavity accessible via a door, a convection cooking system associated with the cooking cavity for heating the cooking cavity and a moisture delivery arrangement for delivering moisture into the cooking cavity. A controller is configured to (i) control the convection cooking system for a cooking operation in accordance with an operator selected temperature for the cooking operation and (ii) automatically define a humidity level setting for the cooking operation as a function of the operator selected temperature. An oven may also include an automated vent operation.