Movable Reflector Heater Assembly for Even Food Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heaters for food warming suffer from difficulties in replacing heating elements, uneven heat distribution, 'hot spots', and lack of adjustability, as well as being space-inefficient and hard to assemble/disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A heater design featuring a movable reflector, adjustable heating element with varying wattage density, and easy-to-replace connectors that allow for uniform heat distribution and flexible positioning, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a fixed heating element is used in traditional heaters, then the structure is simple, but the heating element is difficult to replace and has hot spots in the middle region
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple sections with different wattage densities (higher at ends, lower in middle) to eliminate hot spots. The reflector is segmented into multiple positions that can be adjusted independently. The connector system is segmented to allow easy detachment and replacement of the heating element without affecting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is made movable between multiple discrete positions relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the heating pattern. The connector system allows the heating element to be easily inserted and removed, providing dynamic replaceability without permanent fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a centered heating pattern is used, then the heat distribution is simple, but the heating unit is not adjustable and creates uneven heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is designed to be movable between multiple discrete positions relative to the housing, enabling the heating pattern to be adjusted dynamically. This allows the same heating element to create different heat distribution patterns by changing the reflector position, providing adaptability without requiring multiple heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the heating element have different wattage densities (higher at ends, lower in middle) to create localized heating zones. The reflector positions are optimized to direct heat to specific areas, creating locally optimized heat distribution rather than a uniform centered pattern.
3Manufacturing precision
If a uniform heating element is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it creates hot spots and does not provide even heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is constructed with non-uniform wattage density distribution - higher density at the ends and lower density in the middle section. This local variation in heating characteristics compensates for the natural tendency of heat to concentrate in the middle, achieving uniform overall heat distribution. The reflector positions are also optimized locally to direct heat evenly across the target area.
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 cost-effective, reliable, and adaptable heating solution with even heat distribution, reduced 'hot spots', and easy maintenance, enhancing the efficiency and usability of the heater assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element having a first portion configured to provide a first heat energy level and at least one second portion configured to provide a second heat energy level less than the first portion
Implementation Method 2
a reflector; and a pair of opposite connectors supported by the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A heater is disclosed. The comprises a housing; a reflector; and a pair of opposite connectors supported by the reflector and configured to support opposite ends of a heating element. The reflector is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the housing.