A cooking device comprising a cooking stone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooking devices using refractory cooking stones for dough foods face inefficiencies in cooking due to dirt accumulation, leading to undercooking or overcooking, and require frequent cleaning, which complicates the cooking process and raises hygiene concerns.

Innovation Solution

A cooking device with a refractory cooking stone that is heated by a heater, a washing system with a reservoir for water accumulation and filtration, and a fan to prevent water accumulation on the stone, along with a conductivity sensor and control unit for optimized water usage, ensuring efficient cooking and cleaning while enhancing user safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a refractory cooking stone is used for cooking dough foods, then heat retention and homogeneous cooking are improved, but dirt accumulation on the surface occurs leading to cooking inefficiency and frequent cleaning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat retentionVSAvoidcleaning frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking stone is designed as a removable, separable component from the cooking chamber base, allowing it to be easily detached for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire oven structure. This segmentation enables frequent maintenance while preserving the thermal benefits of the refractory material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates an automated washing mechanism with water nozzles that spray the cooking stone surface during or after the cooking cycle, enabling self-cleaning functionality. This reduces manual intervention and maintains hygiene without requiring user拆卸 of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a washing system with spraying members is used to clean the cooking chamber, then cleaning capability is improved, but water accumulation on the cooking stone creates hygiene problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidwater accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking stone surface is designed with a tilted angle rather than being completely flat, creating dynamic water runoff characteristics. This inclination causes water to naturally drain off the stone surface during and after washing, preventing accumulation and associated hygiene issues while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solution introduces a drainage dimension by positioning water collection channels or reservoirs beneath the cooking stone level. Water is directed downward into collection areas where it can be evaporated or disposed of, adding a vertical drainage dimension to the otherwise horizontal washing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cooking stone is made smaller than the cooking chamber base, then water drainage and hygiene are improved, but cooking surface area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainageVSAvoidcooking surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking stone is positioned centrally on the cooking chamber base with a smaller footprint, creating localized high-quality cooking zones where heat concentration is optimal for dough foods. The surrounding base area serves auxiliary functions such as water drainage and heat distribution, allowing the cooking stone to be smaller while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device provides homogeneous cooking, easy cleaning, and improved hygiene by using a high-thermal-capacity cooking stone with a filtration system and fan-assisted water management, reducing the risk of undercooking or overcooking and enhancing user safety through efficient water usage.

Implementation Method 1

The cooking stone is heated by means of the heater provided thereunder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the cooking stone is produced from a material with high thermal capacity. Thus, the cooking stone has high heat retention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal capacity: Thermal Energy Storage

Implementation Method 3

The cooking process is performed by dissipating the hot air into the cooking device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

By means of the filter, the water delivered from the reservoir is filtered. Thus, the water is cleansed of oil and dirt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

The base has an inclined structure so as to guide the water towards the filter. Thus, the water is guided towards the filter without waiting on the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3795907B1A cooking device comprising a cooking stone
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3795907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3795907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3795907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooking device (1) comprising a body (2); a cooking chamber (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the foodstuffs are cooked; a casing (4) in the form of a box with the front side open which surrounds the cooking chamber (3); a heater (5) which is provided in the cooking chamber (3) and which provides the heating of the foodstuffs; a cooking stone (6) which is positioned above the heater (5) and whereon the foodstuffs are placed to be cooked; a washing system (7) for delivering water into the cooking chamber (3); and a door (8) which is provided on the body (2) and which interrupts the contact between the cooking chamber (3) and the outer environment.