Steam-Baking Oven Two-Step Steam Control for Constant Humidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam-baking oven technologies face challenges in generating consistent steam quality, with external boiler systems being cumbersome and internal steam generation affecting heating element temperature, leading to non-constant steam production.
Innovation Solution
A combined steam generation process using a low-power electric steam generator to initially produce steam, followed by periodic activation to maintain steam quality through water spraying on heating elements, controlled by sensing means to ensure consistent humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water is sprayed on heating elements to generate steam directly in the baking chamber, then steam generation is achieved without external equipment, but the heating elements cool down and steam quality becomes non-constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water injection cycles where water is sprayed on heating elements at specific intervals. The control unit activates the water injection valve only during periods when heating elements have completed their heating cycle and are in cooling phase, ensuring steam generation occurs periodically rather than continuously. This maintains steam quality consistency while avoiding overheating of the heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temperature sensing means that continuously monitor the temperature of heating elements and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine the optimal timing for water injection, activating the valve only when temperature conditions are appropriate. This closed-loop control ensures steam quality remains constant by preventing water injection during high-temperature phases.
2Temperature
If water injection is timed to allow heating elements to resume steady state temperature, then heating element temperature is maintained, but steam generation is not constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary heating cycles where heating elements are activated to reach steady state temperature before water injection is permitted. The control unit monitors temperature sensing data and only allows water injection after confirming the heating elements have completed their heating phase. This preliminary action ensures heating elements are properly prepared for steam generation, maintaining temperature stability while enabling consistent steam production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous operation by seamlessly alternating between heating phases and steam generation phases. The control unit ensures that as one heating element completes its cycle and transitions to cooling, water injection begins to generate steam. This continuous alternation between heating and steam generation maintains overall productivity while preserving the temperature stability of individual heating elements.
3Speed
If a low-power electric steam generator is used to generate steam quickly at the start, then initial steam saturation is achieved, but additional periodic activation is needed to maintain steam quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the electric steam generator in conjunction with water injection cycles. After initial steam saturation is achieved through continuous operation, the control unit switches to periodic activation where the steam generator operates intermittently based on steam quality feedback. This reduces overall operation time while maintaining steam quality consistency throughout the cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the steam generation system to self-regulate by using temperature and humidity sensing means that automatically detect steam quality conditions. The control unit processes this feedback information and autonomously adjusts steam generator activation and water injection timing without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains steam quality while simplifying user operation despite the sophisticated control logic.
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 enables faster cooking times with excellent results by maintaining constant steam quality throughout the cooking process, balancing initial steam generation with periodic water injection to restore humidity levels.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (5) connected to a water supply (6) and provided with a steam outflow duct (7) communicating with the baking chamber (3)
Implementation Method 2
a steam generator (5) connected to a water supply (6) and provided with a steam outflow duct (7) communicating with the baking chamber (3)
Implementation Method 3
a water injection pipe (8) arranged inside the baking chamber (3) to spray water against the wall of the chamber (3) provided with the heating elements
Implementation Method 4
The food is then moistened by condensation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a combined process for generating steam in a steam-baking oven. The oven (2) comprises a baking chamber (3) containing at least one air heating element (10) and at least one fan (4) to keep the air moving inside the baking chamber (3); the oven (2) is associated with a steam generator (5) and is connected to a water supply (6). The combined process includes a saturation step, in which the steam generator (5) is activated until a substantial steam saturation is obtained in the baking chamber (3), and a spraying step in which the steam generator (5) is deactivated and the steam is produced by spraying water onto the heating elements (10); the steam generator (5) is temporarily and periodically activated during the spraying step to keep the steam quality substantially constant.