Closed-Oven Grease Condenser Layout for Shared Steam Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gravity drainage systems for grease in closed-system ovens complicate the stacking and installation of ovens, as they require separate paths for steam and grease, leading to inefficiencies and potential grease congealment in drainage systems.
Innovation Solution
A system where steam and grease are discharged through the same outlet into a condenser reservoir, utilizing a pump to efficiently remove grease, eliminating height differentials and allowing for closer oven mounting, while cooling water moderates grease temperature for better handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate drainage paths are used for steam and grease, then grease congealment in drainage systems is prevented, but device complexity increases and stacking efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam vent path and grease drainage path into a single integrated outlet structure. The condenser chamber serves dual purposes: it condenses steam through a water bath while simultaneously collecting grease through gravity drainage into a shared outlet. This merging eliminates the need for separate drainage paths while preventing grease congealment through the condensing action that maintains grease in liquid form.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: steam condensation, grease collection, and grease temperature moderation. The water bath in the condenser chamber not only cools steam but also moderates the temperature of accumulated grease, keeping it in a liquid state suitable for drainage. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective grease management.
2Productivity
If gravity drainage systems are used for grease, then grease removal is achieved, but height differentials are required which complicates oven stacking and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam condensation process with the grease drainage process in a single condenser chamber. The outlet structure integrates both functions, allowing grease to drain into the condenser chamber where it is collected and temperature-modulated by the water bath before exiting through a common outlet. This integration eliminates the need for complex height differentials and separate drainage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The water bath in the condenser chamber acts as an intermediary that moderates grease temperature. By passing grease through or near the cooled water environment, the system maintains grease in a liquid state without requiring complex mechanical pumping or significant height differentials. This intermediary cooling approach simplifies the drainage system while maintaining effective grease removal.
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
Simplifies oven construction and grease removal, preventing grease congealment in drainage systems, and enhances energy efficiency by allowing for automatic and efficient grease management during cooking.
Implementation Method 1
the steam is passed through a water bath which cools and condenses the steam
Implementation Method 2
the steam is passed through a water bath which cools and condenses the steam
Implementation Method 3
Grease is removed from the condenser reservoir by a pump system
Implementation Method 4
The cooling water used to manage steam exhaust may also moderate temperature of the grease for better pumping and handling
Implementation Method 5
A grease segregation wall intersects the water level to segregate grease passing through the drain opening to a reservoir area within the condenser chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A grease removal system for a combination oven, requiring venting and condensation of steam, conducts excess grease through the same drainpipe as the steam to a water-filled condenser, then segregates the grease within a reservoir wall. In this way, a single opening may serve to remove both excess steam pressure and grease and temperature-moderated grease may be readily pumped to a convenient location.