Loop Ribbon Flame Burner for Uniform Surface Roasting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated continuous commercial apparatuses are unable to produce surface-roasted hams and other products that resemble those achieved with hand-held propane torches, as they fail to provide intense heating and temperature uniformity across product surfaces, leading to time-consuming and costly manual treatments with safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A continuous surface-roasting apparatus featuring a conveyor and non-linear ribbon flame burner elements that discharge a continuous loop flame, simulating the effects of a hand-held torch by applying heat to the top, sides, and bottom of food products, ensuring uniform surface roasting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If infrared or convective ovens are used for surface-roasting, then automation is achieved, but intense heating and temperature uniformity at the product surface are not sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of surface-roastingVSAvoidintense heating and temperature uniformity at product surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The burner is divided into multiple segments (upper segment, first side segment, second side segment) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment discharges flame in a specific direction to target different portions of the product surface, enabling comprehensive and uniform heating of complex geometries without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The burner elements are arranged in three-dimensional space around the product conveyor path, with segments extending in different directions (laterally over the conveyor, downwardly from ends). This spatial arrangement allows the flame to reach all surfaces of the product including top, sides, and crevices simultaneously, achieving uniform heating from multiple angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If hand-held propane torches are used for surface-roasting, then intense heating and temperature uniformity are achieved, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintense heating and temperature uniformityVSAvoidprocessing speed and cost efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables continuous surface-roasting of products as they move along the conveyor belt. Multiple burner segments operate simultaneously and continuously, maintaining constant flame contact with the product surface throughout the processing zone, eliminating the intermittent application characteristic of manual torch operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is self-regulating with automated controls that maintain optimal flame characteristics and burner positioning without manual intervention. The apparatus automatically adjusts to process multiple products in sequence, eliminating the need for operator actions between products while maintaining consistent heating quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If hand-held propane torches are used for surface-roasting, then comparable surface effects are achieved, but safety hazards increase for employees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface appearance and characteristicsVSAvoidsafety hazards to employees

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of hand-held torches is replaced with an automated mechanical system featuring motorized burners, conveyor mechanisms, and control systems. This substitution eliminates employee exposure to flame hazards while maintaining the desired surface-roasting effects through programmable burner positioning and flame control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated burner assembly acts as an intermediary between the operator and the product, performing the dangerous flame application task remotely. The system includes safety features such as interlocks, emergency stop mechanisms, and controlled flame discharge that mediate the hazardous interaction between fire and personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus enables efficient, automated surface roasting of hams and other products, eliminating the need for manual torch use, while achieving comparable surface effects and safety improvements by providing consistent high-intensity heat across the product surface.

Implementation Method 1

one or more ribbon flame burner elements or element assemblies positioned in the housing for discharging a ribbon flame for surface-roasting the food product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9345252B1Method, continuous apparatus, and burner for producing a surface-roasted product

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 MARLEN INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An apparatus, a loop burner element, and a method for surface-roasting a food product wherein the roasting apparatus comprises (a) a conveyor which carries the food product and (b) at least one non-linear ribbon flame burner element or element assembly which preferably applies a ribbon flame to at least the upper and side surfaces of the food product as it is conducted through the roasting apparatus.