Modular Hot Air Oven and Magnetron Layout for Single-Power Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food-service operators require multiple types of ovens to cook various food items, which occupy valuable space and necessitate multiple electrical power plugs, and different operating skills for each oven type.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooking appliance with interchangeable cooking modules that can accommodate different oven types, such as impingement, convection, and microwave ovens, all controlled by a single power connection and a common control panel, allowing for concurrent cooking and efficient use of space and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of ovens are used to cook various food items, then cooking versatility is improved, but space occupation and electrical power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single oven unit that can perform multiple cooking functions (convection, microwave, steam, air frying) through interchangeable cooking modules and adjustable accessories. This allows one appliance to replace multiple specialized ovens, reducing countertop space while maintaining cooking versatility for various food items
Solution Approach 2:
The oven is divided into modular components including interchangeable cooking modules, removable racks, and separable heating elements. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the cooking space to accommodate different cooking tasks without requiring multiple separate appliances, optimizing space utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of ovens are used to cook various food items, then cooking versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides a unified interface that manages all cooking functions (convection, microwave, steam, air frying) through a single panel with preset programs. This eliminates the need for operators to learn multiple separate oven operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining cooking versatility across different food types
Solution Approach 2:
The oven includes automated features such as preset cooking programs, automatic temperature adjustment, and sensor-based cooking modes that reduce the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates cooking parameters based on the selected mode and food type, simplifying operation for users
3Power
If multiple electrical power plugs are used for different ovens, then power availability is improved, but electrical infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single oven unit integrates multiple heating systems (convection heater, microwave generator, steam generator, air frying element) that can operate simultaneously or independently, drawing power through a single electrical connection. This consolidates the electrical infrastructure requirement from multiple plugs to one, while maintaining adequate power availability for all cooking functions
4Adaptability or versatility
If different operating skills are required for each oven type, then cooking specialization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides a unified interface with preset programs for different cooking modes (convection, microwave, steam, air frying) and food types. This allows operators to access specialized cooking functions through a consistent, simple interface rather than learning multiple separate oven operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining cooking specialization
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 modular design enables efficient cooking of multiple food types simultaneously using a single power source, reducing space and power requirements while simplifying operation by allowing any oven module to be swapped out without affecting others, thus streamlining cooking tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A convection heater is provided which, when activated, heats air to a predetermined temperature. A blower is provided which, when activated, draws air into a cooking chamber of the oven and forces the air through the cooking chamber at a controlled flow rate.
Implementation Method 2
A microwave generator is provided which, when activated, generates microwave radiation to heat and cook food items within the cooking chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cooking apparatus includes a first interchangeable cooking module containing an impingement oven, a second interchangeable cooking module containing a hot air oven with built-in magnetron, and a single power connection for receiving three-phase electrical power. Each oven has a base load and a boost load. A first multiplexor is configured to direct electrical power from a first phase pair of the three-phase electrical power to either the base load or the boost load of the first oven. A second multiplexor is configured to direct electrical power from the first phase pair to the boost load of the first oven or to the boost load of the second oven. The modular cooking apparatus is configured such that either the first multiplexor or the second multiplexor can direct electrical power from the first phase pair to the boost load of the first oven.