Countertop Cooking Air Duct Layout for Even Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countertop cooking systems lack versatility in cooking modes and efficient air circulation, leading to uneven heating and reduced cooking performance.
Innovation Solution
A cooking system with a housing containing a cooking container and a heating element, featuring a rotatable air movement mechanism with multiple inlets and outlets, and a motor externally located to drive the mechanism, which circulates air through a unique duct system for enhanced heat distribution and cooking versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional heating element is used without an air circulation system, then the device structure is simple, but heat distribution is uneven and cooking performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic air circulation system where a motor-driven fan moves air through ducts and over the heating element. This pneumatic system distributes heated air evenly throughout the cooking chamber, resolving the heat distribution issue while maintaining a manageable device structure through integrated duct design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the heating element and the food. The heating element heats the air, and the circulated air then transfers heat to the food, creating a more uniform cooking environment. This intermediary approach improves heat distribution without requiring direct contact heating.
2Volume of moving object
If the motor is located inside the internal compartment, then the air movement mechanism is compact, but it complicates the internal structure and may interfere with cooking space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the internal cooking compartment and positions it externally. This separation removes the motor's mechanical complexity and potential interference from the cooking space while maintaining a compact overall design through optimized placement of the air movement mechanism near the duct openings.
3Productivity
If a single air inlet is used, then the air movement mechanism is simple, but air circulation efficiency is reduced leading to poor heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air inlet system into multiple inlets positioned at different locations and angles. This segmentation allows air to be drawn from multiple zones, improving circulation efficiency and heat distribution. The multiple inlets are integrated into the duct system without creating excessive mechanical complexity.
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 system achieves improved heat distribution and cooking performance across various modes by efficiently circulating heated air, ensuring even cooking and increased cooking versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element is associated with said at least one internal compartment
Implementation Method 2
an air movement mechanism disposed in said housing... which circulates air through a unique duct system for enhanced heat distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking system includes a housing having at first internal compartment and a second internal compartment. At least one cooking container is receivable within one of the first internal compartment and the second internal compartment. At least one cooking volume is defined within an interior of the at least one cooking container. At least one heating element is disposed in said housing.