Cooktop Steamer Self-Filling Cup With Gravity-Fed Water Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Domestic cooktop steamers with electronically controlled valves are expensive and prone to failures, requiring costly repairs due to their complexity.

Innovation Solution

A gravity-fed system using a removable water tank with an automatic mechanical valve and a specific configuration of water feeder tube and steamer cup inlet, eliminating the need for electronic controls and sensors to regulate water flow to the steamer cup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electronically controlled valve with sensors is used to control water flow to the steamer cup, then precise water level control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater level controlVSAvoidvalve and electronics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-regulating gravity-fed water delivery where the water tank automatically refills the steamer cup through gravitational force and pressure differential mechanisms, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and controlled valves. The design inherently controls water flow without external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic control system (valves with sensors) with a purely mechanical gravity-fed system. Water flow is controlled by physical principles such as gravity, pressure differentials, and mechanical valve mechanisms rather than electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If an electronically controlled valve system is implemented, then automated water feeding is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated water feedingVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water tank system automatically detects and responds to water level changes in the steamer cup through mechanical pressure differential mechanisms. When water level drops, the mechanical valve automatically opens to refill; when full, it closes, providing fail-safe automated operation without electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a mechanical valve design that prevents overfilling and ensures proper water level before steaming begins. The gravity-fed system and mechanical valve work together to prevent potential failures by maintaining appropriate water levels throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a gravity-fed system without electronic controls is used, then device complexity is reduced, but water flow control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidwater flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a mechanical valve mechanism controlled by pressure differentials to regulate water flow from the tank to the steamer cup. This mechanical system provides sufficient flow control precision for steaming applications while maintaining system simplicity and avoiding electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic principles where water pressure differentials and gravitational force work together to control flow through the mechanical valve. The pressure-based control mechanism achieves adequate flow regulation without requiring electronic sensors or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution reduces costs and potential failures by using gravity to feed water to the steamer cup, automatically refilling as needed without the risk of overfilling, while maintaining efficient steam production with a smaller heat source.

Implementation Method 1

The water in the water tank is fed to the steamer cup by way of the feeder tube under gravitational force only

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

limiting an amount of the water that enters the steamer cup by preventing air from flowing from the steamer cup to the water tank through the feeder tube when the water in the steamer cup covers the steamer cup inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic lock:

Data Source

PatentUS10143327B2Cooktop steamer with self-filling cup

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORP

AI summary

A domestic steaming appliance for steaming food items is provided. The domestic steamer appliance includes a base; a steamer insert mounted in the base; a steamer cup located below the steamer insert; a removable water tank configured to hold water for feeding to the steamer cup, the water tank having a top that forms an air tight seal with the water tank when the top is in place on the water tank; and a feeder tube fluidly connecting the water tank to the steamer cup, the feeder tube being connected to the steamer cup at a steamer cup inlet. The water in the water tank is fed to the steamer cup by way of the feeder tube under gravitational force only.