Glass-Ceramic Heating Element With Independent Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating elements used as baking-space dividers in ovens are difficult to clean and limited in their applications, primarily suited only for dividing the baking space and not versatile for other uses.
Innovation Solution
A heating element with a contacting mechanism for external electronic control, featuring a heat-conductive glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic covering that allows for multiple uses such as a warming plate or residential heater, and includes thermal insulation and a metal frame for stability and protection, enabling independent control of heating zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heating element is used as a baking-space divider in the oven, then it divides the baking space into two spatial regions, but it is difficult to clean and limited in applications
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed with a glass-ceramic plate covering that protects the heating means, enabling it to be used both as a baking-space divider inside the oven and as a warming plate or heating device outside the oven. The protective plate allows direct contact with food and easy cleaning, making the device versatile for multiple applications including indoor and outdoor use.
2Reliability
If the heating means is covered with a glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic plate, then it protects the heating means from contaminants and damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element combines a glass-ceramic plate with heating means (heating foil, film, or flat heating unit) to create a composite structure. The glass-ceramic material provides protection, heat conduction, and ease of cleaning, while the integrated heating means ensures efficient heat transfer. This composite design protects the heating elements from contaminants and damage while maintaining structural integrity.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is added to prevent heat radiation into the non-heated spatial region, then heat distribution efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into distinct functional layers: a glass-ceramic plate covering the heating means, thermal insulation material, and a metal support structure. This segmentation allows heat to be directed efficiently into the intended spatial region while preventing unwanted heat radiation into the non-heated region. The modular structure facilitates manufacturing and assembly.
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 heating element can be easily cleaned, offers versatile applications beyond oven use, and provides efficient heat distribution with independent control of heating zones, enhancing usability and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
This glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic material thus offers an excellent heat conductivity, so that the heat generated by the heating means is radiated directly into the spatial region to be heated.
Implementation Method 2
the heating means can be provided with a layer of thermal insulation on the side turned away from the spatial region to be heated. The layer of thermal insulation largely prevents the heat from radiating into the spatial region that is not to be heated.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating element is provided that has at least one flat electrical heating device to heat at least one spatial region found on one side of the heating device. The heating device has a contact configured to connect to a power supply and control device of a baking and roasting oven. The contact is configured to alternately connect to an electronic mechanism external to the baking and roasting oven. In addition, an arrangement of the heating element with an electronic mechanism external to the baking and roasting oven is provided.