Thermo-Resistive Thermal Plate Layout for Uniform Chamber Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating apparatuses often experience thermal gradients and uneven heating due to the placement of thermal plates in specific regions of the chamber, leading to inconsistent cooking or heating outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A heating apparatus with a thermal plate featuring a thermo-resistive layer comprising a polymeric portion and nanostructure portion, positioned in both the upper and lower regions of the chamber, which rapidly reaches temperatures of at least 350°C in less than two minutes, utilizing a power source and graphene nano-platelets for efficient heat transfer and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional thermal plate is used in specific regions of the chamber, then the heating apparatus can provide thermal energy to the chamber, but thermal gradients and uneven heating occur leading to inconsistent cooking outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal plate incorporates a thermo-resistive coating with spatially varying properties, including a polymeric portion and a nanostructure portion (such as graphene nano-platelets), that are selectively distributed across different regions of the plate. This local variation in thermal and electrical properties enables different zones of the plate to heat at different rates, compensating for positional thermal gradients in the chamber and achieving more uniform overall heating.
2Power
If the thermal plate is positioned in specific regions of the chamber, then heat can be provided to the chamber, but thermal gradients develop causing uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical and thermal parameters of the thermal plate by incorporating a thermo-resistive coating with varying resistance and conductivity properties across its surface. The nanostructure portion (e.g., graphene nano-platelets) and polymeric portion are distributed to create spatial variations in electrical resistance and thermal conductivity, allowing different regions of the plate to operate at different power levels and temperatures, thereby reducing thermal gradients while maintaining efficient heat transfer.
3Productivity
If a rapid heating rate is achieved (at least 350°C in less than two minutes), then cooking efficiency is enhanced, but thermal gradients may increase causing uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid heating capability is achieved through the thermo-resistive coating that converts electrical energy to thermal energy efficiently. The local quality variation in the coating composition (polymeric and nanostructure portions) ensures that regions experiencing higher thermal gradients generate more heat locally, while regions with lower gradients generate less heat, thereby maintaining rapid overall heating rates (at least 350°C in less than two minutes) while compensating for uneven temperature distribution.
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 solution ensures rapid and uniform heating across the chamber, reducing thermal gradients and enhancing cooking efficiency by efficiently distributing heat through the use of a fan and the unique properties of the thermo-resistive layer.
Implementation Method 1
The thermo-resistive layer receives power from a power source. The thermo-resistive layer reaches a temperature of at least 350° C. in less than two minutes from initially receiving power from the power source.
Implementation Method 2
The thermal plate provides heat to the chamber. A thermal conductivity of the thermal plate is between about 0.20 W/mK and about 0.90 W/mK.
Implementation Method 3
The solution ensures rapid and uniform heating across the chamber, reducing thermal gradients and enhancing cooking efficiency by efficiently distributing heat through the use of a fan and the unique properties of the thermo-resistive layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating apparatus includes a body, a chamber, and a thermal plate. The chamber is defined by the body. The chamber includes an upper region and a lower region. The thermal plate provides heat to the chamber. The thermal plate includes a coating. The coating includes a thermo-resistive layer. The thermo-resistive layer includes a polymeric portion and a nanostructure portion. The thermal plate is positioned in at least one location chosen from the upper region and the lower region of the chamber.