Flat Steam Generator With Lateral Chambers for Efficient Oven Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam generation devices for household appliances are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and require complex designs that complicate integration and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A steam generation device with a laterally arranged water storage chamber and heating chamber, featuring a flat, wide design that allows for easy integration into household appliances, utilizing a heating device with a resistance element for efficient water evaporation, and a partitioned heating chamber to separate heating and steam zones, reducing energy loss and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If water storage chamber and heating chamber are arranged vertically with heating surrounding water, then heating efficiency is improved, but device height increases making integration difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddevice height

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement of the water storage chamber and heating chamber. The heating chamber is positioned adjacent to the water storage chamber rather than surrounding it vertically, converting the spatial relationship from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional change reduces device height while maintaining heating efficiency through direct lateral heat transfer between the heating chamber and water storage chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If complex circuit-like water return line is used, then water circulation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater circulationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex circuit-like water return line from the system. Instead of using an elaborate return path, the invention employs a simplified direct connection between the heating chamber outlet and water storage chamber inlet. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains water circulation functionality while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by having water flow directly from the heating chamber back to the water storage chamber inlet, rather than using a complex return line. This inverted flow path simplifies the overall water circulation system while maintaining effective heat transfer and steam generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If heating device with large surface area is used, then evaporation efficiency is improved, but device volume and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaporation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous heat transfer from the heating chamber to the water storage chamber through direct lateral contact. The heating device maintains continuous heating action on the water, maximizing evaporation efficiency within a compact volume. This continuous useful action eliminates the need for oversized heating surfaces by optimizing heat transfer efficiency throughout the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device achieves rapid and energy-efficient steam generation with a simple, space-saving design that enhances assembly efficiency and reduces manufacturing and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

the heating device is an electric heating device, in particular with a resistance heating element that heats through contact heat or heats the water and causes it to evaporate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule Heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heats the water and causes it to evaporate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

heats through contact heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4372274B1Device for generating steam and household appliance comprising such a device

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH

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Figure 4~6

AI summary

A steam-generating device for a steam oven comprises a water storage chamber with a water inlet and outlet, and a heating chamber for water drawn from the storage chamber. The heating chamber has a steam outlet and a heating chamber inlet connected to the water outlet. A heating element for heating and evaporating the water within is located on the outside of the heating chamber. The water storage chamber is positioned laterally next to the heating chamber, and they are separated by a partition open at the bottom. The steam-generating device is wider than it is tall in a vertical direction perpendicular to the heating chamber and at least five times wider than it is thicker, thus being relatively flat. The heating element is located on the outside of the heating chamber on one of the flat sides of the housing.