Cooker Steam and Microwave Timing Control to Prevent Component Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steam supplied into the cooking chamber may be discharged, leading to inefficient cooking and potential damage to the cooker components.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a cooker that oscillates microwave energy and generates steam, with the steam generator operating independently of the high-frequency heating source, and air circulation to prevent steam leakage through porous parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If steam is supplied into the cooking chamber before high-frequency heating starts, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but steam may be discharged leading to potential damage to cooker components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit initiates steam generator operation at a preset time separately from when the high-frequency heating source starts, based on when the steam generation signal is input. This preliminary timing control ensures steam is available for effective cooking while preventing premature steam discharge that could damage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If steam generator operates independently of high-frequency heating source, then cooking flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives steam generation signals and automatically determines the operation start time of the steam generator based on preset timing rules. This feedback-based automatic control provides cooking flexibility while simplifying user operation despite the independent operation of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If air circulation is operated during steam generation, then steam distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam distribution uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The convection part operates periodically during steam generation rather than continuously. The control unit manages the convection operation to coincide with steam generation phases, improving steam distribution uniformity while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during non-steam phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures effective and safe cooking using steam while minimizing steam leakage, enhancing cooking efficiency and product reliability.

Implementation Method 1

oscillating microwave supplied to a cooking chamber, by a high-frequency heating source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

generating steam supplied to the cooking chamber, by a steam generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the operation of circulating air inside the cooking chamber by a convection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2417883B1Method for controlling a cooking apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2417883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2417883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2417883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cooker controlling method is provided. The cooker controlling method includes oscillating microwave supplied to a cooking chamber, by a high-frequency heating source, and generating steam supplied to the cooking chamber, by a steam generator. In a case a signal for initiating the operation of the steam generator is input before the operation of the high-frequency heating source is started, the operation of the steam generator is initiated at a preset time separately of a time when the operation of the high-frequency heating source is started, and in a case a signal for initiating the operation of the steam generator is input after the operation of the high-frequency heating source is started, the operation of the steam generator is initiated at a time when the signal is input. Therefore, the food may be effectively and safely cooked using the steam.