Foldable Microwave Susceptor Platform with Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave susceptor systems either lack elevation features, reducing heat transfer efficiency or have elevating mechanisms that create leak points, compromising the cooking performance and integrity of microwaveable platforms.
Innovation Solution
A microwave platform with a support layer and susceptor layer, featuring foldable sidewalls and end walls with support legs that extend downwardly to elevate the platform, maintaining a leak-proof design and maximizing heat transfer while preventing juices from soaking through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If elevating feet are added to raise the susceptor tray, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but holes are created in the tray bottom causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation function is segmented from the susceptor tray itself and assigned to separate support legs. The tray remains intact as a single continuous piece for leak-proof containment, while independent support legs provide the elevation needed for heat transfer. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the elevation function from the containment function.
Solution Approach 2:
Support legs act as intermediary elements between the susceptor tray and the microwave cooking surface. These legs transfer heat from the cooking surface to the tray without requiring holes in the tray bottom, thus maintaining leak-proof integrity while achieving adequate heat transfer efficiency through thermal conduction from the leg structures.
2Device complexity
If a single layer susceptor tray is used without elevation, then the structure is simple and leak-proof, but heat transfer performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the simple single-layer susceptor tray for containment and the separate support legs for heat transfer and elevation. This maintains the simplicity and leak-proof nature of the tray while adding elevation capability through independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat tray design to a three-dimensional structure by adding vertical elevation through support legs. This dimensional change allows the tray to be raised above the cooking surface for improved heat transfer while maintaining the simple single-layer construction for leak-proof containment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support legs are made permanent to ensure stability, then elevation is maintained, but the platform cannot be folded for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to be folded and unfolded as needed. During cooking operations, the legs are extended to provide stable elevation and heat transfer. For storage or transport, the legs can be collapsed flat against the tray, enabling compact folding without compromising stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs are pre-configured with hinge connections and positioning features that enable easy deployment and retraction. Before cooking, the legs are unfolded and locked into position to ensure stability. After cooking, they can be quickly folded back, allowing the platform to be compacted for storage without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 enhances cooking efficiency by ensuring maximum heat transfer to food items while maintaining a leak-proof structure, preventing juices from leaking and ensuring even cooking without the need for defined openings.
Implementation Method 1
a susceptor layer... which radiates heat toward the food item
Implementation Method 2
The microwaveable platforms generally have a metallic or other heating material attached to an upper side of the platform which radiates heat toward the food item
Implementation Method 3
The support leg is foldably connected to the sidewall and extends downwardly from the sidewall below the platform to elevate the platform above the microwave cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave susceptor system for cooking food in a microwave. The microwave susceptor system generally includes a platform having a support layer and a susceptor layer, sidewalls foldably connected to a first and second side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, and end walls foldably connected to a third and fourth side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom. Each of the sidewalls and end walls have a support layer and a susceptor layer. Extending from each sidewall opposite the platform is a support leg. The support leg is foldably connected to the sidewall and extends downwardly from the sidewall below the platform to elevate the platform above the microwave cooking surface. The support legs are retained in position by outwardly extending flaps that connect to an adjacent end wall via a slot within the end wall.