Cooking expansion module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction cooking devices fail to efficiently perform conductive cooking, air frying, and grilling functions without requiring multiple lids, leading to storage issues and limited versatility, as well as inability to perform multiple functions simultaneously and add ingredients mid-cook.
Innovation Solution
An air fry expansion module that integrates with a one pot cooker, allowing for air frying and grilling without an extra lid, featuring a support structure with a motor, heating element, fan, and control panel, enabling multi-stage cooking and ingredient addition during the cycle, and can be used with a grill module for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lids are used for different cooking functions (pressure cooking, air frying), then cooking versatility is improved, but storage space is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid is designed with universal applicability for multiple cooking functions including pressure cooking, air frying, and slow cooking. The lid integrates a removable air fryer basket and heating element assembly that can be configured for different cooking modes, eliminating the need for separate specialized lids for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air fryer basket is nested within the lid structure, and the heating element assembly is integrated into the basket. This nested configuration allows multiple components to occupy the same spatial envelope, enabling the lid to perform multiple functions without requiring additional separate lids or increasing storage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate air fryer lid is used, then air frying capability is added, but moisture from conductive cooking accumulates and harms air frying components
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a removable air fryer basket assembly that can be separated from the main lid body. This segmentation allows the basket and its electronic components to be removed and dried separately after conductive cooking, preventing moisture accumulation and damage to the heating element and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable basket assembly acts as an intermediary between the cooking environment and the electronic components. During conductive cooking, the basket can be removed to allow moisture evaporation, and during air frying, it provides the necessary structure while protecting the electronics from direct exposure to steam and moisture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional indoor grilling devices with conductive heating plates are used, then grilling function is provided, but air circulation is insufficient and fat accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The grilling function utilizes pneumatic air circulation through a fan-driven convection system. Air is forced to circulate around the food on the grill rack, creating effective heat transfer and preventing fat accumulation by continuously moving air across the food surface. The rack design with slots allows fat to drip away while air circulation maintains even cooking and prevents soggy results.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-purpose cooking appliances are purchased, then cooking versatility is improved, but kitchen storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple cooking functions (pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking, grilling) into a single cooking device with a unified lid system. By combining these functions in one appliance with shared components and a multi-functional lid, the total volume required in the kitchen is significantly reduced compared to having separate appliances 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 module enhances performance and versatility by eliminating the need for extra lids, allowing compact storage, enabling multi-stage cooking, and allowing ingredient addition during cooking, thus addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, fan, and control panel
Implementation Method 2
a heating element, fan, and control panel
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on expansion module is provided that can be used with existing cooking appliances in order to allow the cooking appliance to perform multiple cooking functions. The module is designed to fit on top of a cooking appliance's vessel, with the cooking appliance's lid able to fit on the module. Therefore, the module does not require an additional lid to store. The module includes a support structure that may include one or more housings in which cooking accessories may be retained. The cooking accessories may carry out many cooking functions, including steam, air fry, smoke, sous vide, timed ingredient add, and food processor functions. The module further includes two openings that allow a user to access the contents of the vessel during the cooking process, for example to add or stir ingredients, without having to remove the module.