Commercial Cooking Valve Structure for Fast Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements in commercial cooking devices face high flow resistance due to small valve discs, which hinder pressure relief during high-pressure situations and fail to efficiently balance pressures during low-pressure or vacuum conditions, such as during dehumidification.
Innovation Solution
The valve arrangement features a larger valve disc with an enlarged discharge cross-section, integrating a vacuum valve disc and a pressure relief valve disc, supported by springs, allowing for automatic pressure balancing and reduced flow resistance by using a solenoid-actuated stem for movement, enabling faster pressure release and dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small valve disc is used in the valve arrangement, then the valve can be compact and simple, but the flow resistance becomes high which slows down pressure relief and pressure balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a vacuum valve disc and a pressure relief valve disc into a single integrated valve arrangement. The vacuum valve disc (1) and pressure relief valve disc (5) are positioned one behind the other in the same valve body, allowing both functions to be performed by a unified structure rather than separate valves. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining low flow resistance through the enlarged discharge cross-section of the vacuum valve disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-valve design to a multi-disc arrangement within the same valve body. By stacking the vacuum valve disc (1) and pressure relief valve disc (5) in sequence along the flow path, the system achieves multiple functions (vacuum breaking and pressure relief) without increasing the lateral footprint, effectively utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the valve body.
2Device complexity
If a small valve disc is used, then the valve structure remains simple, but the flow resistance increases which prevents efficient dehumidification and pressure balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a vacuum valve disc and a pressure relief valve disc into a single integrated valve arrangement. The vacuum valve disc (1) and pressure relief valve disc (5) are positioned one behind the other in the same valve body, allowing both functions to be performed by a unified structure rather than separate valves. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining low flow resistance through the enlarged discharge cross-section of the vacuum valve disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the valve disc by enlarging the discharge cross-section of the vacuum valve disc (1). This parameter change increases the flow area, reducing flow resistance and improving the efficiency of pressure balancing and dehumidification operations while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If a single valve disc is used for both vacuum and pressure relief, then the structure is simplified, but the valve cannot efficiently handle both high-pressure relief and low-pressure vacuum breaking simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a vacuum valve disc and a pressure relief valve disc into a single integrated valve arrangement. The vacuum valve disc (1) and pressure relief valve disc (5) are positioned one behind the other in the same valve body, allowing both functions to be performed by a unified structure rather than separate valves. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining low flow resistance through the enlarged discharge cross-section of the vacuum valve disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve arrangement achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both a vacuum valve disc (1) for vacuum breaking and a pressure relief valve disc (5) for pressure relief within the same valve body. This universal design allows the single valve assembly to handle both high-pressure and low-pressure conditions, adapting to different operational requirements without needing separate specialized valves.
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 pressure control characteristics, allowing for faster pressure equalization between the cooking chamber and atmosphere, improving dehumidification and preventing undesirable suction of waste water, while effectively managing both high-pressure and vacuum conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (2B) that is biased into a rest position
Implementation Method 2
movement of the valve disc is accomplished only by action of the solenoid acting upon the stem
Data Source
AI summary
A valve structure includes a housing having an interior chamber, a first conduit connecting the interior chamber with a cooking chamber of a cooking device and having a first discharge cross-section, a second conduit connecting the interior chamber with the outside environment and having a second discharge cross-section, and at least one valve seat within the interior chamber having at least one valve seat opening which cooperates with at least one valve disc. The at least one valve disc moves between a closed position on the valve seat opening, and an open position spaced apart from the valve seat opening by changes in pressure in the cooking chamber. The valve operates to allow bidirectional flow of fluid to relieve over pressure and underpressure conditions, and enables automatic balancing of low pressure or vacuum in the cooking chamber.