Cooking container device, separating device for such a cooking container device, steam cooker with such a cooking container device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking containers do not effectively allow for the spatial separation of foods during and after cooking, leading to potential mixing of different foods cooked simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A cooking container device with a separating device that includes a wall element with hooks and extensions, designed to fit within the container's perforated surface, allowing for secure division of the cooking space without requiring special receiving elements, enabling the separation of foods by hanging over the container walls and engaging with the container's recesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separating device is added to the cooking container, then food items can be spatially separated during cooking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood separation capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device is divided into multiple functional elements: a wall element for separation, hooks for attachment, and extensions for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separating device is designed to be insertable into the cooking container, with the wall element fitting within the container's interior space. The hooks and extensions are integrated into the wall element structure, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If hooks and extensions are added to the separating device, then secure attachment to the container is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks and extensions are combined with the wall element as an integrated structure, preferably formed as a single piece. This merging of components ensures secure attachment functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall element serves multiple functions: it provides the separating barrier, incorporates hooks for attachment to the container walls, and includes extensions for positioning within the container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the separating device is designed to fit within the container without special receiving elements, then adaptability to commercially available containers is improved, but the reliability of attachment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer compatibilityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device utilizes the existing structure of the cooking container (its walls and interior space) to achieve secure attachment. The hooks engage with the container walls and the extensions fit into the container's interior, allowing the device to serve itself by using the container's inherent features rather than requiring additional receiving elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4454522A1Cooking container device, separating device for such a cooking container device, steam cooker with such a cooking container device

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 MIELE & CO KG

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AI summary

A separating device (125) for separating food items (120) in a cooking container (115) for a steam cooker comprises a wall element (250) with a first rim (261), a second rim (262), an upper rim (263), and a lower rim (264). The first rim (261) and the second rim (262) are opposite each other, and the upper rim (263) and the lower rim (264) are opposite each other. When the separating device (125) is arranged in the cooking container (115), the lower rim (264) is shaped to abut a container base (230), the first rim (261) is shaped to abut a first container wall (232), and the second rim (262) is shaped to abut a second container wall (234). The separating device (125) further comprises a first hook (251) which is located in a transition area between the first edge (261) and the upper edge (263).The first hook (251) is shaped to be suspended over the first container wall (232). Furthermore, the separating device (125) has a second hook (252) which is arranged in a transition area between the second rim (262) and the upper rim (263). This second hook (252) is shaped to be suspended over the second container wall (234).