Rotating Distributor Disk for Cooking Chamber Cleaning Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking appliances face challenges in effectively and efficiently cleaning the cooking chamber with conventional methods, which often result in incomplete cleaning and excessive resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance equipped with a distributor disk that can be driven by its own drive or the power of the cleaning liquid, featuring a base plate and vanes arranged at specific angles to target cleaning liquid application, and a reversible pump for efficient circulation and backwashing, allowing for varied rotational speeds and pulsating cleaning patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and resource consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor disk is designed to rotate dynamically, transforming from a static cleaning approach to a dynamic one. The rotation speed can be varied to optimize cleaning effectiveness for different soiling levels, while the rotating distribution pattern ensures comprehensive coverage with reduced liquid consumption compared to continuous spraying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic action through the rotating distributor disk that intermittently applies cleaning liquid to different areas of the cooking chamber. This periodic distribution pattern allows cleaning liquid to be applied only when needed to specific zones, reducing overall consumption while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed distributor system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different cleaning needs is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cleaning needsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor disk rotation mechanism provides adaptability by allowing the system to switch from static to dynamic operation. The variable rotation speed capability enables adaptation to different cleaning requirements without adding complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor disk can be driven automatically by the cleaning liquid flow itself or by a simple drive mechanism, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining versatility in cleaning applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If high rotational speed is used for thorough cleaning, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the energy consumption and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating distributor disk provides thorough cleaning coverage through its rotation, but at variable speeds. By using periodic rotation rather than continuous high-speed operation, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while minimizing energy consumption and noise generation during the cleaning cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances the cleaning efficiency of the cooking chamber by ensuring targeted and effective application of cleaning liquids, reducing resource consumption, and allowing for thorough cleaning of all areas, including hard-to-reach regions, while minimizing energy usage and noise.

Implementation Method 1

a distributor disk (26) which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (38)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a pump (16) which can promote the cleaning liquid in a circulation direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

the pump (16) is designed and arranged in such a way that when the pump (16) is switched off, the cleaning liquid can flow back from the inlet line (20), the pump (16) and the outlet line (18) in the direction of the process (22) counter to the direction of circulation of the circulation system (14) by means of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3715723B1Cooking appliance with a cooking chamber, a distribution system and a distribution plate for a cleaning liquid and method for cleaning the same
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3715723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715723B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates, among other things, to a cooking appliance (2) comprising a cooking chamber (4), a distribution system (12) for a cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooking chamber (4) and a circulation system (14) for circulating the cleaning fluid with a pump (16), a drain line (18) and an inlet line (20), wherein the pump (16) is connected by means of the drain line (18) in a flow-conducting manner to a drain (22) of the cooking chamber (4) arranged in a cooking chamber floor (6) of the cooking chamber (4) and by means of the inlet line (20) in a flow-conducting manner to an inlet opening (24) of the distribution system (12), wherein the distribution system (12) has a distribution disc (26) with a pivot pin (28) for connection, preferably for torque-transmitting connection, with a shaft of the cooking appliance (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a distribution disc (26), a distribution system (12) and a method for cleaning the cooking chamber (4) of the cooking appliance (2).