Multi-Cavity Oven In-Place Cleaning Using Distributed Spray Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-zone ovens face challenges in efficient cleaning without removing partitions between cavities, which complicates the process and requires additional mechanical distribution of water or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cavity oven design with distributed spray nozzles in each cavity, controlled by a central system, allows for independent temperature control and steam use, enabling simplified cleaning without removing partitions, using a single pump for recycled cleaning solution and fans for improved water dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If distributed spray nozzles are placed in each cavity, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented by placing individual spray nozzles in each cooking cavity, allowing independent cleaning of each cavity while maintaining complete coverage. This segmentation enables targeted cleaning without requiring removal of partitions between cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
A single pump system serves multiple cavities by providing recycled cleaning solution to distributed spray nozzles across all cavities simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate pumping systems while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
2Device complexity
If a single pump is used for recycled cleaning solution, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles by employing a single pump to circulate cleaning solution through multiple cavities via distributed spray nozzles. The solution is effectively distributed to all cavities simultaneously through the hydraulic network, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution is recovered and recycled through a single pump system that circulates it back through the distributed nozzles in each cavity. This recovery and reuse mechanism maintains cleaning effectiveness without requiring multiple separate pumping systems for each cavity.
3Manufacturing precision
If spray nozzles are positioned to cover all walls, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cavity is segmented with its own spray nozzle positioned to target specific walls within that cavity. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all surfaces (upper wall, lower wall, and four vertically extending sidewalls) without requiring a complex centralized positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles are positioned to self-direct water at the walls of their respective cavities through direct impingement or splashing, eliminating the need for complex auxiliary mechanical distribution systems like sprinkler arms while achieving complete cleaning coverage.
4Ease of operation
If partitions between cavities are removed for cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but operational versatility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from the mechanical process of removing partitions and instead achieved through distributed spray nozzles that deliver cleaning solution directly to all cavity surfaces. This extraction allows partitions to remain in place, preserving operational versatility while maintaining ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles act as intermediaries that deliver cleaning solution through the partitioned cavity structure without requiring physical removal of partitions. This intermediary approach enables cleaning access while maintaining the structural integrity and operational independence of each cavity.
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 design simplifies the cleaning process by ensuring complete coverage of interior surfaces without adding height or requiring disassembly, using a centralized water management system and steam generation for effective grease removal.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spray nozzle may be positioned to spread water over each of the upper wall, lower wall, and four vertically extending sidewalls by direct impingement or splashing
Implementation Method 2
the at least one spray nozzle may be positioned to spread water over each of the upper wall, lower wall, and four vertically extending sidewalls by direct impingement or splashing
Implementation Method 3
a set of fans circulating air independently through the cooking cavities in isolation from the other cooking cavities and the controller may operate the fans during operation of the spray nozzles to promote dispersion of water
Implementation Method 4
using a centralized water management system and steam generation for effective grease removal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A multi-compartment oven (10) provides "in-place" cleaning through the use of distributed spray nozzles (143) possibly augmented by steam, fan (94) blowing, and heat from other components of the oven. A centralized draining system allows recycling of the water without breaching the separation between the cooking compartments (20, 20a, 20b).