3 illustrates an RF module array of the oven of FIG. 2A and 2B are isometric views of the oven of FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a solid-state RF microwave oven according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein įIGS. Like reference numerals in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. Such description makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which some features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be represented schematically in the interest of clarity. Implementations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.
The OCM modulates the frequency of the RF emitters to avoid interference with communications or other RF-based aircraft systems operating at proximate frequencies. Based on the returned energy detected by the RF modules, the OCM may estimate the internal temperature of a meal and deactivate the appropriate RF modules when a selected meal is done. The OCM accepts user input and selectively activates or deactivates one or more of the RF modules depending on the selected meals and their monitored internal temperature. The RF microwave oven is connected to the aircraft power supply and includes an oven control module (OCM) in communication with the aircraft galley network or galley network controller. As the food cooks, the RF modules detect returned energy unabsorbed by the food, estimating and monitoring the internal temperature of the food and its degree of doneness. One or more RF emitter modules or groups thereof may be selectively programmed to heat a particular meal based on, e.g., its size or composition. The oven includes an array of spaced or grouped RF emitter modules distributed across the upper interior surface of the oven cavity. The oven housing is dimensioned to fit within galleys of various sizes and includes a cavity for accommodating food to be heated or cooked. In one aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a solid-state radio frequency (RF) microwave oven for an aircraft galley. The heat removal process is complicated further by the lower air pressures associated with aircraft cabins inflight. In addition, heat dispersal (e.g., from within the oven cavity) is extremely complicated in a magnetron-generated microwave environment. Nor is the radiation distribution optimal throughout the oven cavity, resulting in “hotspots” and “coldspots” where food may cook more or less evenly depending upon its placement within the oven. Further, magnetron-based microwave cooking requires additional components (e.g., waveguides, stirrer systems for spreading generated radiation, equipment for supplying the magnetron with high-voltage power) that add precious weight and reduce the available space within the oven cavity. Such power fluctuations not only tax the aircraft's power management and distribution systems, but strain the magnetron itself, adversely affecting its reliability and operating lifespan. For example, in order to properly regulate power consumption, the magnetrons must be fully switched on and off. Conventional microwave ovens may be commonly found in aircraft galleys, but there are numerous aircraft-related or aircraft-specific challenges associated with the use of such magnetron-based devices.