Tangential Oven Fans and Arcuate Baffle for Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ovens with convection heating systems face inefficiencies in air flow and heat distribution, leading to uneven cooking and reduced usable cooking space due to traditional radial fan systems and baffle configurations.
Innovation Solution
The oven design incorporates a convection heat system with tangential fans and an arcuate baffle that extends between side walls, featuring a curved middle portion and planar side portions with parallel apertures, allowing for improved air flow and heat distribution by directing air over a heating element and through the baffle, with fans positioned vertically to create a linear exhaust pattern and circulate air effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional radial fan systems are used, then the oven can provide convection heating, but the air flow distribution is uneven and heat distribution is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radial fan arrangement by using tangential fans positioned at the rear corners of the oven cavity. Instead of fans rotating radially from a central position, the fans are arranged tangentially to create a linear exhaust pattern that promotes uniform air circulation throughout the cavity, directly addressing the uneven heat distribution problem of traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane radial fan system to a three-dimensional air circulation pattern using multiple tangential fans positioned at rear corners. This spatial redistribution creates multi-directional air flow that enhances heat distribution uniformity across different zones of the oven cavity
2Area of stationary object
If conventional baffle configurations are used, then air flow can be directed, but usable cooking space is reduced due to dead space creation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an arcuate-shaped baffle extending between the side walls at the rear of the oven cavity. This curved configuration optimizes air flow direction while minimizing dead space compared to conventional flat or angular baffle designs, thereby increasing the usable cooking space without compromising air circulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle design features localized aperture distributions with different patterns in different regions. The apertures are strategically positioned and sized to control air flow in specific zones, allowing efficient air circulation while maximizing the usable cooking space by reducing dead areas
3Productivity
If fans are positioned to maximize air flow, then convection heating is effective, but fan visibility increases reducing aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fan assembly from the visible front portion of the oven cavity and positions the tangential fans at the rear corners. This relocation maintains effective convection heating through the tangential air flow pattern while hiding the fans from view, thereby preserving aesthetic appeal without sacrificing heating efficiency
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 configuration enhances air velocity uniformity across cooking levels, providing more consistent heat transfer and increasing usable cooking space while reducing dead space and improving aesthetic appeal by minimizing fan visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first tangential fan configured to direct air over the heating element and through the baffle
Implementation Method 2
The convection system typically includes one or more axial fans and a baffle. The fan or fans create an air flow through openings in the back wall of the oven cavity.
Implementation Method 3
a heating element located between the baffle and the rear wall
Implementation Method 4
direct the air from the rear cavity back into the front cavity through the planar portions of the baffle
Data Source
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AI summary
An oven includes an oven chamber having a cavity at least partially defined by a door, a pair of side walls, and a rear wall; a baffle extending lengthwise between the pair of side walls, the baffle having an arcuate shape along at least a portion of its length; a heating element located between the baffle and the rear wall; and a first tangential fan configured to direct air over the heating element and through the baffle. The distance between the baffle and the rear wall is greater near the sidewalls than at the midpoint between the side walls.