Deep-embossed sump and heating element for an oven
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unused sump space at the base of oven cavities is not effectively utilized, leading to wasted volume and requiring additional vertical space for the heating element, which compromises heat retention and structural stability.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory with a sump space that extends below the base of the cooking cavity, incorporating a heating element along its perimeter to provide cooking options without increasing the oven's height or reducing available volume, and featuring a design that reduces crazing by distributing heat more robustly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is positioned at the base of the oven cavity, then heating function is provided, but additional vertical space is required which reduces available cooking volume
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is repositioned from a vertical placement at the base to a horizontal arrangement along the perimeter of the sump space. This dimensional change allows the heating element to be integrated within the sump's perimeter rather than requiring additional vertical space below the cavity base, thus maintaining cooking volume while providing heating functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a deep sump is provided in the oven cavity, then heat retention and structural stability are improved, but the sump occupies valuable cooking space
Solution Approach 1:
The sump space is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural stability to the oven cavity, acts as a heat retention chamber, and simultaneously serves as the mounting location for the heating element. By making the sump multi-functional, the design eliminates the need to choose between structural integrity and cooking space, as the sump's perimeter is utilized for heating rather than consuming additional space.
3Shape
If the heating element is hidden beneath the bottom wall of the oven cavity, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted from the traditional hidden position beneath the bottom wall and repositioned to the perimeter of the sump space. This extraction maintains the clean aesthetic appearance of the oven cavity interior while providing significantly improved accessibility for maintenance and replacement, as the heating element can now be accessed through the sump opening rather than requiring disassembly of the bottom wall structure.
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 enables the utilization of previously unused space for additional cooking functions, maintains the oven's volume, and enhances structural integrity by reducing crazing through even heat distribution and robust perimeter construction.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element may be provided surrounding at least a portion of the modular accessory for providing cooking power to the modular accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance is provided having a cooking cavity with an opening defined at its base. The cooking appliance also includes a modular accessory that is reversibly receivable in said opening. The modular accessory defines a sump space that extends below the base of the cooking cavity through said opening. The modular accessory can be a modular sump; or it can be a steamer, a water-basin for steaming and/or sous-vide cooking, a holder for briquettes or wood chips used to smoke food, a plate-warming compartment, a pizza stone or a grill rack. The appliance can further include a heating element that extends outside and adjacent to a sidewall of said modular accessory, partially surrounding said modular accessory.