Air fryer with steaming function and method for controlling air fryer with steaming function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air fryers face issues with non-uniform temperature distribution, leading to overcooking or undercooking, especially with larger or differently shaped food items, and the integration of a steaming function complicates water management and cleanliness, affecting efficiency and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An air fryer with a steaming function that includes a steam generator connected to a water tank via a water pump, controlled by a unit that monitors temperature and water levels, automatically adjusting steam generation and water supply to ensure uniform heating and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relatively large water tank is mounted to provide sufficient steam for thorough cooking, then the steaming function can cook food thoroughly, but the layout of the air fryer becomes unsightly and unreasonable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic water supply control where the water pump operates intermittently based on real-time steam generation needs detected by temperature sensors. The control unit adjusts water supply frequency and quantity dynamically, allowing a small water tank (500-1500mL) to provide sufficient steam for thorough cooking without requiring a large fixed-capacity tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors steam generation effectiveness through temperature sensors and autonomously controls water supply timing and quantity. The control unit manages the entire steaming process without user intervention, optimizing water usage from the small tank to achieve thorough cooking results.
2Manufacturing precision
If the door is opened to turn over food during roasting, then the food can be roasted more evenly, but more heat is lost and heating efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the food turning function from manual door-opening operations to an automated internal mechanism. The turning assembly rotates food items automatically during roasting, achieving uniform cooking without opening the door, thus preventing heat loss and maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a steam generation system as an intermediary to enhance heat distribution. Steam provides additional heating from all directions, working together with the turning mechanism to achieve uniform roasting without requiring door opening, thereby maintaining thermal efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary air supply systems are added to ensure uniform temperatures, then overcooking and undercooking problems are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steam generation system multi-functional: it serves both as a steaming source for thorough cooking and as a temperature uniformity enhancer during roasting. The steam circulation system distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber, replacing the need for separate auxiliary air supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steaming function and temperature uniformity control into a single integrated system. The water tank, pump, steam generator, and circulation channels work together to provide both steaming capability and even heat distribution, simplifying the overall device structure compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 provides consistent and uniform cooking results, reduces energy loss, and simplifies water management and cleaning processes, enhancing user convenience and the overall efficiency of the air frying process.
Implementation Method 1
Heat generated by the heating element heats a casing of the air fryer by means of convection
Implementation Method 2
High-temperature steam produced in the heating chamber of the steam generator is introduced into the cooking chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A steam generator for an air fryer with a steaming function is disclosed. The air fryer includes a cooking chamber and a water tank arranged inside a housing. A steam generator is also arranged in the air fryer. A heating chamber is provided in the steam generator. The heating chamber in the steam generator is connected to a water tank via a water pump. High-temperature steam produced in the heating chamber of the steam generator is introduced into the cooking chamber. The steam generator is equipped with an over-temperature protector and a temperature sensor. Each of the over-temperature protector, the temperature sensor, the water pump, and the steam generator is electrically connected to the controller.