Temperature-controlled container comprising a UV light source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled containers in aircraft galleys, such as ovens and refrigerators, require time-consuming cleaning processes due to contaminant buildup, which increases turnaround time and reduces operational efficiency, and existing UV light systems are ineffective over time due to dirt accumulation on light sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled container with an ultraviolet (UV) light source mounted outside the cavity, insulated from the internal environment, emits a UV light beam to highlight contaminants when the door is open, improving visibility during cleaning without being used for decontamination and preventing dirt accumulation on the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the UV light source is mounted inside the temperature-controlled cavity, then the UV light can directly illuminate contaminants for detection, but the UV light source will accumulate dirt and be exposed to extreme temperatures over time, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is extracted from the temperature-controlled cavity and mounted on the external door structure. This separation allows the UV light to illuminate the cavity through the open door during cleaning operations, while the light source itself remains outside the cavity where it is not exposed to extreme temperatures and contaminant accumulation, thereby maintaining its reliability and effectiveness over time
2Productivity
If the UV light source is mounted inside the temperature-controlled cavity, then the cleaning detection can be performed in real-time during cooking, but the light source and detector will be contaminated by food particles and steam, significantly reducing their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The open door configuration acts as an intermediary that allows the UV light to reach the cavity interior during cleaning operations without requiring the light source to be physically inside the cavity. This intermediary arrangement enables cleaning detection functionality while preventing direct exposure of the light source to harmful contaminants such as food particles and steam
3Temperature
If the door is kept closed during UV illumination, then thermal insulation is maintained, but the UV light cannot effectively illuminate the cavity for contaminant detection
Solution Approach 1:
The door configuration is made dynamic, transitioning between closed and open states based on operational requirements. The door remains closed during normal cooking operations to maintain thermal insulation, and opens during cleaning operations to allow UV light illumination. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize both thermal efficiency and cleaning detection effectiveness at different times
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 cleaning efficiency and reduces turnaround time by clearly highlighting contaminants, ensuring thorough cleaning and improving operational efficiency while protecting the UV light source from contamination and thermal exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet light generated by the light irradiating means is absorbed by dirt accumulating within the oven causing it to fluoresce
Implementation Method 2
a thermally-insulated door configured to thermally seal the temperature-controlled cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlled container for preparation or storage of food products comprising: a temperature-controlled cavity for storing or preparing food products, a thermally insulated door configured to seal the temperature-controlled cavity in a closed configuration, and a UV light source mounted to the temperature-controlled container outside the temperature-controlled cavity and insulated from the temperature-controlled cavity by the thermally insulated door when in the closed configuration, wherein the UV light source is arranged to emit a UV light beam into the temperature-controlled cavity when the thermally insulated door is an open configuration. There is also provided an aircraft galley comprising one or more of said temperature-controlled containers.