Flexible Heating Belt for Multi-Size Container Cooking Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slow cookers are bulky, difficult to transport, and require multiple sizes for different cooking needs, leading to increased storage space requirements and higher costs for users.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, elongated heater with a resilient base that can be applied to containers of various sizes, featuring multiple heating elements, a power conduit, and a temperature sensor for precise temperature control, allowing for adjustable length and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional slow cooker is used, then cooking function is provided, but storage space is significantly increased and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slow cooker is divided into two separate components: a rigid container and a flexible heating belt. The heating belt can be detached and folded into a compact form, while the container serves only as a vessel. This segmentation allows the heating element to be stored in minimal space while retaining full cooking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element transitions from a fixed, rigid structure to a flexible, dynamic belt that can be folded and compressed. This dynamic design enables the heating element to adapt its form factor, collapsing into a compact shape for storage and expanding when in use, thereby reducing storage volume without sacrificing cooking capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of slow cookers are purchased for different cooking needs, then cooking versatility is improved, but cost is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible heating belt is designed to accommodate containers of various sizes and shapes through its adjustable length and flexible configuration. A single heating belt can wrap around different container dimensions, providing universal cooking capability across multiple container sizes, thereby eliminating the need to purchase multiple specialized appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating belt's length and configuration can be adjusted to match different container sizes. By changing the physical parameters of the heating element (length, wrap configuration), the same device can effectively cook in containers of varying dimensions, providing size adaptability without requiring multiple purchased units.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid slow cooker structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but portability and ease of storage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a rigid container (maintaining structural stability for cooking) and a flexible heating belt (enabling portability). The rigid container provides the necessary structural integrity for holding food and maintaining cooking conditions, while the flexible heating element can be easily folded and transported separately or wrapped around the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is constructed as a flexible belt rather than a rigid structure. This flexible film design allows it to be easily folded, compressed, and transported, while still maintaining thermal contact with the container during operation. The flexibility enables portability without compromising the heating function.
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 flexible heater can be easily applied to different-sized containers, providing efficient heating while being collapsible for easy storage and transport, thus addressing the issues of bulkiness and cost associated with traditional slow cookers.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element can heat the container
Implementation Method 2
the base is flexible and is resiliently deformed to be urged into contact with the periphery
Data Source
AI summary
A heater to heat a container within which food is to be cooked. The heater includes a flexible elongated base that is to at least partly surround the container periphery, so that the heater can be urged towards the periphery. A heating element is attached to the base of the container to enable the heating element to be in thermal contact with the periphery. An elongated power conduit is connected to the heating element to provide for the connection of the heating element to a source of electric power so that upon electric power being delivered to the heating element, the heating element can heat the container.