Cooker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cookers using superheated steam result in nutrient loss and malodor in cooked food due to an oxidizing cooking environment, and are bulky in design.
Innovation Solution
A cooker with a cooking chamber maintained in a reducing state by using upper and lower heaters to reheat superheated steam and incorporating a compact superheated steam generator with a steam generating section and superheater integrated in an L or inverted T shape, along with a water spraying mechanism to create a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, and a purge process section to manage gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If superheated steam is input to a cooking chamber using a conventional cooker, then the cooking chamber is filled with oxygen creating an oxidizing state, but this results in nutrient loss and malodor in the cooked food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reducing atmosphere into the cooking chamber by spraying water that has been saturated with hydrogen gas. This creates an inert-like environment that prevents oxidation of food nutrients while maintaining efficient heat transfer through steam. The hydrogen-saturated water, when heated, releases hydrogen gas that displaces oxygen in the cooking chamber, thereby eliminating the harmful oxidizing state without compromising cooking productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If a conventional cooker uses a large-scale boiler and superheater to generate superheated steam, then sufficient steam is produced, but the device becomes bulky and cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation and superheating functions into a single integrated steam generator unit. The boiler and superheater are merged into one compact device where water is heated to generate steam and then immediately superheated within the same unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate large-scale boiler and superheater components, dramatically reducing the overall device volume while maintaining sufficient superheated steam production.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator employs a nested structure where the superheater section is positioned within or around the boiler chamber. The steam generated in the boiler is channeled through heating elements or passages within the superheater section, allowing one component to be nested within another. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and achieves compact downsizing while maintaining the functional capacity to generate adequate superheated steam.
3Temperature
If the superheated steam temperature is maintained at high levels for effective cooking, then cooking quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous superheating of steam as it is generated, rather than intermittent heating cycles. The steam flows continuously through the superheater section where it is maintained at high temperature throughout the cooking process. This continuous action ensures consistent high-temperature cooking quality while optimizing energy utilization by avoiding repeated heating and cooling cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the temperature parameters of the superheated steam to achieve the minimum effective temperature required for high-quality cooking. By carefully controlling and adjusting the steam temperature parameter within the optimal range, the system maintains sufficient cooking effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption. The reducing atmosphere also prevents heat loss through oxidation reactions, further improving energy efficiency.
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 configuration preserves nutrients, reduces malodor, allows for quick and even cooking at high temperatures, and prevents odor transfer, resulting in tender and well-preserved food with reduced nutrient loss and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The steam generating section provided in a bottom portion of the superheated steam generator heats water to generate water vapor
Implementation Method 2
the steam superheater heats the water vapor up to 400° C. or higher to obtain dry steam
Implementation Method 3
a small amount of water sprayed into the cooking chamber to turn into steam dispersed in the cooking chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cooker including a cooking chamber having an opening, a door for opening and closing the opening, heaters provided in an upper portion and a lower portion of the cooking chamber, a superheated steam generator that supplies superheated steam into the cooking chamber, and a water spraying section that sprays water into the cooking chamber. A reducing state is established in the cooking chamber.