Dough Proofer Air Duct Layout for Uniform Chamber Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough proofers lack a uniform air flow system, resulting in inconsistent proofing conditions for dough products.
Innovation Solution
A dough proofing apparatus with air ducts on both sides of the chamber, featuring vertically and horizontally distributed openings, and a blower system that creates pressurized air flow paths to ensure uniform air distribution and heating, utilizing a heating element to maintain optimal proofing temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air flow is provided through a single location in the chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of air flow distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow system is segmented into multiple independent air ducts positioned at different locations (front, rear, and side walls) of the chamber. Each duct contains multiple openings distributed vertically and horizontally, allowing air to be introduced at numerous discrete points throughout the chamber, thereby achieving uniform air flow distribution without requiring an overly complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
Air duct openings are strategically distributed at different vertical and horizontal positions within the chamber to provide locally optimized air flow characteristics. The front and rear walls have openings at different heights, and side walls have openings positioned to create localized air flow patterns that collectively ensure uniform overall distribution
2Manufacturing precision
If air duct openings are distributed both vertically and horizontally, then the uniformity of air flow distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air ducts are merged into a coordinated system where front air ducts, rear air ducts, and side air ducts work together. The ducts are positioned and configured to complement each other, with openings distributed both vertically and horizontally across different chamber walls, creating a unified air flow distribution network that achieves uniformity without excessive complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If a blower is used to create pressurized air flow, then the air flow uniformity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through temperature sensors that monitor air flow and heating conditions. The controller receives feedback from these sensors and adjusts the blower operation and heating element output accordingly, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining consistent air flow and temperature conditions throughout the chamber
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 provides a more uniform air flow and temperature control within the chamber, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of the proofing process for dough products.
Implementation Method 1
At least one blower is located for causing air to flow from the chamber, through the outlet opening, and both (i) along the first air flow path to the air duct on the first side of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
At least one heating element is located to heat air moved by the blower
Implementation Method 3
at least one air duct extends on a first side of the chamber and has a plurality of openings distributed both vertically and horizontally in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A dough proofing cabinet includes a chamber having one or more air ducts with a plurality of air duct openings distributed both vertically and horizontally thereon, and an outlet opening in an upper part of the chamber. Operation of a blower causes air flow from the chamber, through the outlet opening, past the heating element to the air duct or ducts and out through the air duct openings. In one example, the chamber includes air ducts extending downward on opposite side of the chamber.