Heating unit, heating device and method for generating steam from liquid and heating gas in a heating unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating units require separate components for steam generation and gas heating, leading to limited capacity, difficulty in controlling steam pulses, thermal shocks, and increased space and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact heating unit with a fluid container and heating element that simultaneously or separately generates steam from liquid and heats gas, using a cylindrical container with an inlet and outlet, where the heating element is in contact with the inner surface to indirectly heat liquid and the outer surface to directly heat gas, allowing for steam generation and gas heating in a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate heating units are used for steam generation and gas heating, then each function can be performed independently, but the device occupies more space and has higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam generation and gas heating functions into a single heating unit. The heating element is positioned to simultaneously heat the bottom of the fluid container (for steam generation) and the cooking chamber floor (for gas heating), eliminating the need for separate heating units and reducing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate steam by heating liquid in the fluid container, heat gas in the cooking chamber, or perform both functions simultaneously. The heating element and fluid container configuration enable this multi-functionality within a single device.
2Reliability
If separate heating units are used for steam generation and gas heating, then each function can be performed independently, but the device has higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam generation and gas heating functions into a single heating unit. The heating element is positioned to simultaneously heat the bottom of the fluid container (for steam generation) and the cooking chamber floor (for gas heating), eliminating the need for separate heating units and reducing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate steam by heating liquid in the fluid container, heat gas in the cooking chamber, or perform both functions simultaneously. The heating element and fluid container configuration enable this multi-functionality within a single device.
3Speed
If water is sprayed directly into the cooking chamber for steam generation, then steam can be introduced quickly, but the steam generating capacity is limited and thermal shocks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-heats liquid in a contained fluid container using a heating element before the liquid is converted to steam. This preliminary heating in a controlled environment allows for greater steam generation capacity and prevents thermal shocks, as the heating occurs gradually rather than through direct spraying.
4Speed
If water is sprayed directly into the cooking chamber for steam generation, then steam can be introduced quickly, but thermal shocks cause deformation and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-heats liquid in a contained fluid container using a heating element before the liquid is converted to steam. This preliminary heating in a controlled environment allows for greater steam generation capacity and prevents thermal shocks, as the heating occurs gradually rather than through direct spraying.
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
Enables efficient steam generation and gas heating in a compact space, reducing the need for separate units and minimizing thermal shocks, while allowing for simultaneous, sequential, or separate operation of steam and gas heating functions.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is arranged to the wall such that liquid arranged in the fluid container is indirectly heated via the inner surface of the wall of the fluid container
Implementation Method 2
said heating element is also arranged to heat gas on the side of the outer surface of the wall of the fluid container
Implementation Method 3
steam is generated from the liquid in the fluid container
Implementation Method 4
steam is generated from the liquid in the fluid container
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating unit (1) for generating steam from liquid and for heating gas and comprises a fluid container (2) having a wall (20), said wall (20) comprising an inner surface (21) and an outer surface (22), and a heating element (3) in contact with the wall (20) of the fluid container (2), said heating element (3) is arranged to the wall (20) such that liquid arranged in the fluid container (2) is indirectly heated via the inner surface (21) of the wall (20) such that steam is generated from the liquid in the fluid container (2), and said heating element (3) is arranged to heat gas on the side of the outer surface (22) of the wall (20) of the fluid container (2). The invention further relates to a heating device comprising a heating unit (1), a liquid connection and a fan. The invention relates also to a method for generating steam from liquid and for heating gas in a heating unit (1).