Device and method for preparing foods arranged in a vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food preparation devices with permanently connected steam supply units are difficult to clean, requiring manual attachment and detachment, which complicates the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a detachable steam supply unit connected via a coupling device featuring locking means, allowing for tool-free attachment and detachment, enabling easy cleaning in a dishwasher, and a method where the steam supply unit is separated from the steam supply line after use for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the steam supply unit is permanently connected to the steam supply line, then the device structure is simpler and more reliable, but the cleaning process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The steam supply unit is divided into a detachable component that can be separated from the steam supply line. The coupling device includes a connection section with locking means that allows the steam supply unit to be detached for cleaning and reattached for operation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning convenience.
2Ease of operation
If the steam supply unit is detachably connected to the steam supply line, then the cleaning process becomes easier and more efficient, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device with locking means is extracted as a separate functional component that enables detachable connection. This allows the steam supply unit to be easily detached for cleaning while maintaining overall device functionality, accepting increased local complexity to achieve operational convenience.
3Reliability
If manual attachment and detachment of the steam supply unit is required, then the connection reliability is higher, but the time and effort required for cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are designed to automatically lock the steam supply unit to the steam supply line when connected, and can be easily released without tools. This self-securing mechanism ensures connection reliability while minimizing the time and effort required for attachment and detachment during cleaning.
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 solution simplifies the cleaning process by allowing the steam supply unit to be detached and cleaned separately, improving efficiency and convenience, especially in catering and household settings.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
a steam-conducting unit connected to the steam generating unit a steam supply unit connected to a steam supply line and having a steam probe having at least one steam discharge opening
Implementation Method 3
introducing steam into a ready meal to be heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for preparing foods received in a vessel (2), in particular ready meals, said device (1) comprising a steam generator unit for generating steam, and a steam delivery unit (4) which is connected to the steam generator unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam feed line (23) and which has a steam probe (5) with at least one steam discharge opening, wherein the device (1) has a coupling mechanism (10) which comprises locking means and which releasably connects the steam delivery unit (4) to the steam feed line.