Device and method for performing cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses that combine microwave cooking with other heat sources face challenges such as robust lid support due to microwave device weight, alignment issues between the lid and pan, and lack of capability for pressure cooking or frying.
Innovation Solution
A cooking pot design that incorporates a wave guide for microwave energy transfer, allows for pressure cooking by creating an airtight enclosure, and includes a sensing mechanism to ensure proper lid alignment and microwave containment, while also accommodating frying with a pan configured to hold oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the microwave generating device is provided in the lid, then microwave cooking capability is achieved, but the lid requires robust pivotal support due to weight and alignment mechanisms are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave generating device is extracted from the lid and placed in a fixed position within the housing. The lid is separated from the microwave device, eliminating the need for robust pivotal support and alignment mechanisms while maintaining microwave cooking capability through the wave guide system.
Solution Approach 2:
A wave guide is introduced as an intermediary component to transfer microwave energy from the fixed generating device to the cooking pan. This mediator enables microwave heating without requiring the lid to move or align precisely with the microwave source.
2Productivity
If pressure cooking is enabled by creating an airtight enclosure, then cooking temperature can exceed 100°C for faster cooking, but the microwave generating device must withstand pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave generating device is extracted from the pressure-bearing lid structure and positioned in a fixed location that is not subjected to pressure changes. The airtight enclosure is created separately, allowing pressure cooking without exposing the microwave device to pressure stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave guide acts as an intermediary that allows microwave energy to penetrate through the lid structure without requiring the microwave device itself to withstand pressure. The energy transmission path is separated from the pressure-bearing structural components.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made movable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment between lid and pan becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave generating device is extracted from the movable lid, decoupling the lid's movement function from the microwave generation function. The lid can now move freely for easy access without requiring precise alignment with the microwave source, as the wave guide handles the energy transfer independently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional frying is used, then frying capability is maintained, but the advantages of modern fast heating devices like microwave heating are not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking system is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both conventional frying and microwave-assisted cooking. The wave guide and microwave generating device can be used in conjunction with the frying pan, enabling faster heating and cooking during the frying process while maintaining the versatility to perform traditional frying when needed.
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 cooking pot effectively addresses alignment and robustness issues, enables pressure cooking and frying, and ensures efficient microwave energy use by ensuring proper lid alignment and containment.
Implementation Method 1
a wave guide and may be configured for different types of cooking processes
Implementation Method 2
the disclosed cooking pot is based on a wave guide and may be configured for different types of cooking processes
Implementation Method 3
The housing further accommodates one or more heating devices to heat the pan
Implementation Method 4
pressure cooking is the process of cooking food under high pressure steam, employing water or a water-based cooking liquid, in a sealed vessel known as a pressure cooker
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking pot for pressure cooking or frying is disclosed, comprising a housing 122 accommodating a pan 112 to hold food items to be cooked, and one or more heating devices to heat the pan. A lid 102 covers the top side of the housing 122 and creates an enclosure 124 above the pan 112. The one or more heating devices include a microwaves generating device 202 located remote from the airtight enclosure 124. A microwave guide 210 is provided to transfer microwaves generated by the remotely located microwaves generating device 202 to the pan 112. A window 110 is provided for passage of the microwaves to the pan 112, and includes a microwave transparent material, which can withstand pressure in the enclosure 124 when the cooking pot is configured for pressure cooking. A flame stove 204 is provided below the pan 112 for direct heating of the pan 112.