System for preparing and/or heating a food product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation and heating systems, such as ovens and rotisserie ovens, require efficient cleaning methods that can handle multiple detergent compositions and ensure complete release of cleaning agents without residue, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning system with a detergent holder made of bent wire, featuring a multi-component cartridge with temperature-sensitive seals for controlled release of cleaning compositions, allowing for two or more cleaning steps with incompatible agents, and an inclined position for time-delayed emptying, facilitated by spray jets for thorough rinsing and exothermic reaction enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detergent compositions are used for cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent holder is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that can be independently filled with different detergent compositions. Each compartment has its own outlet and can be controlled separately, allowing multiple cleaning agents to be stored and dispensed without mixing until the cleaning cycle begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent holder is nested within the cavity framework or accessing door structure, integrating the multi-compartment storage system into the existing oven architecture. This nested arrangement allows complex functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing external dimensions or visual complexity.
2Productivity
If detergent is released early, then cleaning action starts sooner, but incomplete release and residue remain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature-sensitive dissolving tanks where the detergent release is controlled by temperature parameters. The dissolving tanks are designed to dissolve at specific temperature thresholds, ensuring that detergent is released only when the cavity temperature reaches the appropriate level for complete dissolution and release, preventing premature release while maintaining cleaning speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors cavity temperature and provides feedback to regulate the heating element and detergent release timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that detergent is released at the optimal moment when temperature conditions guarantee complete dissolution, preventing both premature and delayed release.
3Reliability
If heating is used to release detergent, then complete release is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent is pre-dissolved in the dissolving tanks during the heating phase before the main cleaning cycle begins. This preliminary dissolution action ensures that when the detergent is released, it is already in a ready-to-use state, reducing the need for additional heating energy during the cleaning process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing heating function required for food preparation to simultaneously drive the detergent dissolution process. The cavity heating serves dual purposes: preparing the food and dissolving the detergent in the dissolving tanks, eliminating the need for separate heating energy input specifically for detergent release.
4Stability of the object's composition
If detergent holder is fixed, then stability is improved, but accessibility for refilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent holder is designed with a removable structure that can be easily detached from the cavity framework or accessing door. The holder features quick-release mechanisms or simple connection points that allow users to remove the entire holder or individual compartments for refilling, then reattach them securely to maintain stability during operation.
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
The system enables efficient, energy-saving cleaning with complete release of cleaning agents, preventing residue and hazardous waste, allowing for easy disposal and improved cleaning performance through sequential and delayed release of cleaning compositions.
Implementation Method 1
the upper seal of the first chamber melts when being sprayed on by spraying jets having a temperature T1 between 45°C and 49°C, thus releasing a first cleaning composition into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the upper seal of the first chamber melts when being sprayed on by spraying jets having a temperature T1 between 45°C and 49°C
Implementation Method 3
improved cleaning performance through sequential and delayed release of cleaning compositions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a system for preparing and heating a food product within a cavity (8), said system comprising a self-cleaning device with a spraying device (10) for spraying a cleaning fluid into the cavity (8), in which a detergent holder (24) is placed. The detergent holder (24) is arranged on a framework or an accessing door (18) of the cavity (8), a multi-component cartridge (32) being received in the detergent holder (24), the detergent holder (24) being held in an inclined position at an angle (60) towards a center of the cavity (8), the multi-component cartridge (32) being sprayed on by spray jets (58) emerging from the spraying device (10) in a continuous or discontinuous manner.