Multi-Sensor Oven Temperature Control for Uniform Cavity Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oven temperature control systems, which rely on a single temperature sensor located behind the baffle plate, result in uneven cooking cavity temperatures due to the sensor shutting off heating elements at a pre-set value before the interior is fully heated, leading to variations in meal temperatures and quality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple temperature sensors throughout the cooking cavity to measure temperatures at various points, allowing for an average temperature calculation and an optimized shut-off point for the heating elements, rather than relying on a pre-set value, thereby ensuring more uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is located behind the baffle plate to control heating elements, then the sensor can monitor the temperature near the heating elements, but the temperature distribution in the cooking cavity becomes uneven and meal temperatures vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple independent sensors positioned at different locations within the cooking cavity. Instead of relying on a single sensor behind the baffle plate, the system implements a network of sensors that segment the monitoring task across multiple spatial points, enabling comprehensive temperature mapping and more uniform heating control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point temperature measurement (one-dimensional monitoring) to multi-point spatial temperature measurement (three-dimensional monitoring). By adding spatial distribution of sensors, the system captures temperature variations across different locations and heights in the cavity, enabling more precise control of temperature uniformity.
2Reliability
If the heating elements are shut off at a pre-set temperature to protect hardware, then the heating elements are protected from overheating, but the cooking cavity does not reach sufficient temperature for proper cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature mapping by collecting data from multiple sensors before making control decisions. This preliminary information gathering allows the control algorithm to predict temperature distribution and determine optimal shut-off points that prevent hardware overheating while ensuring the cooking cavity reaches adequate temperatures for proper cooking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors temperatures at multiple locations and adjusts heating element operation accordingly. The control algorithm uses real-time temperature data from the sensor network to dynamically determine when to shut off heating elements, balancing hardware protection with achieving sufficient cooking temperatures throughout the 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 solution achieves more uniform cooking cavity temperatures, reducing variations in meal temperatures and cooking times, and preventing overheating, which can lead to meal degradation, while also protecting oven hardware from damage.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple temperature sensors are provided in order to determine an average oven temperature from points measured at multiple areas of the cooking cavity
Implementation Method 2
the temperature sensor is designed to turn the heating elements on and off
Implementation Method 3
Heated air can then be allowed to travel around sides of the baffle plate, back to the cooking cavity
Implementation Method 4
The baffle plate is designed to control air distribution in the cooking cavity. It may have an opening in the middle that pulls in air from the cooking cavity. Heated air can then be allowed to travel around sides of the baffle plate, back to the cooking cavity in order to create an air loop
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a system that improves heat distribution throughout an internal cooking cavity of an oven. The embodiments described may find particular use in ovens used on-board passenger transport vehicles, but they may also be incorporated into other ovens, such as residential and other commercial ovens.