Segmented Baking Plate Heating for Dynamic Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional baking devices face inefficiencies in dynamic operating modes due to sluggish heating systems, leading to uneven heating and increased energy consumption, which affects product quality and durability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic, locally limited heating system that allows individual adjustment of heating power for each baking plate device or area, using a control device with sensors to regulate temperature and energy distribution based on real-time parameters, enabling quick temperature control and reduced thermal stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a large-surface heating system is used to ensure uniform temperature across all baking trays, then temperature uniformity is improved, but heating responsiveness and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidheating responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones along the baking chamber, with each zone having its own heating element and control mechanism. This allows selective heating of specific areas rather than heating the entire chamber uniformly, enabling faster response to temperature changes while maintaining overall temperature uniformity through coordinated control of multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different heating powers are applied to different baking trays or baking zones based on their specific requirements. The control device adjusts the heating power locally for each tray or zone, allowing some areas to be heated more aggressively while others receive gentler heating, thus improving overall heating responsiveness without sacrificing temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If a large-surface heating system is used to maintain consistent temperature across all baking trays, then product quality consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality consistencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating chamber is segmented into multiple independently controllable heating zones, each with its own heating element. This allows the system to activate only the specific zones where baking trays are present and need heating, rather than energizing the entire heating system. The control device monitors each zone and adjusts heating power accordingly, maintaining product quality consistency while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during partial operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating power parameter is dynamically adjusted for each baking tray or zone based on real-time temperature feedback and operational requirements. The control device modifies heating parameters locally, allowing efficient energy distribution that maintains consistent product quality across all trays while minimizing total energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating in empty or already-sufficient zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional heating elements are used during dynamic operating modes, then simple system structure is maintained, but heating efficiency and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidheating adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system transitions from a static, uniform heating approach to a dynamic, adaptive system. The control device continuously monitors temperature and operational status of each heating zone and baking tray, dynamically adjusting heating power in real-time. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to varying operational conditions such as different product types, tray positions, and production rates, significantly improving heating adaptability while maintaining reasonable system structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach optimizes energy consumption, improves product quality by maintaining consistent temperatures, and extends the service life of baking device components by reducing thermal stress and overheating.

Implementation Method 1

a heating arrangement (15) for heating the baking plate devices (1) or baking plate areas (7) is provided along the baking section (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4233548A1Baking device and method for operating a baking device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 BUHLER FOOD EQUIP GMBH
  • EP4233548A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4233548A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP4233548A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Baking device and method for producing baked, preferably edible, products, wherein several openable and closable baking plate devices (1) are provided, wherein the baking plate devices (1) each have two baking plates (2, 3) and a baking mold formed between the closed baking plates (2, 3) for a baking mass, wherein the baking plate devices (1) are conveyed in series along a direction of movement (16) through a baking section (4), wherein each baking plate device (1) has several assumed baking plate areas (7) along its extension, wherein a heating arrangement (15) with several heating elements (5) arranged in the course of the baking section (4) is provided, wherein the heating arrangement (15) heats the baking plate devices (1) as they pass through the baking section (4) to bake the baking mass in the baking mold,and wherein the control device (6) individually controls or regulates the heating power for the respective baking plate areas (7) of the baking plate devices (1).