Heat treatment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat treatment systems, such as ovens and proofers, face inefficiencies in energy usage and loading/unloading processes, including missed notifications leading to overheating, temperature drops due to door opening, and time-consuming tray handling.
Innovation Solution
A heat treatment system with a tray holder and elevation apparatus that allows for automated loading and unloading through a base opening, reducing heat loss and incorporating a vacuum pump for energy-efficient baking, and a rack system for accommodating trays, enabling quick and efficient handling of baking goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front door is opened for loading or unloading trays, then the loading and unloading process can be performed, but hot air is exchanged with cold air from outside leading to temperature drop and energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two separate openings: a first opening in the base part for loading/unloading and a second opening in the upper part for ventilation. This segmentation allows the loading/unloading function to be separated from the main chamber opening, enabling operation without opening the front door and thus preventing heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
A dividing piece is introduced as an intermediary element that can close the first opening when not in use. This dividing piece acts as a mediator between the loading/unloading requirement and the heat preservation requirement, allowing the opening to be closed during operation to prevent energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If trays are loaded and unloaded one after the other manually, then the front door can be kept closed most of the time, but the process takes up a lot of time
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and unloading process is moved from the front horizontal dimension to the base vertical dimension. By providing a first opening in the base part and using an elevation apparatus to move trays vertically, multiple trays can be loaded and unloaded simultaneously or in rapid succession without opening the front door, thus improving productivity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If a base opening is provided for automated loading and unloading, then loading and unloading can be automated and heat loss reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation apparatus is designed to automatically move trays between the rack system and the heat treatment chamber without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the elevation function directly into the chamber structure, reducing the need for additional complex external mechanisms while achieving automation.
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 system prevents overheating, conserves energy by minimizing air exchange, and speeds up the loading/unloading process, ensuring efficient and time-saving baking and proofing operations.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a vacuum pump for energy-efficient baking
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat treatment system, comprises a tray holder with at least one tray for placing goods to be heated, a first heat treatment machine having a first heat treatment chamber adapted to accommodate the tray holder, the first heat treatment chamber having a first opening in a base part thereof, and an elevation apparatus configured to transport the tray holder between a first position within the first heat treatment chamber and a second position below the first heat treatment chamber through the first opening.