Induction Steam Generator Drawer for Compact Cooking Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cooking appliances have large volumes due to separate steam generating devices and water tanks, limiting design freedom and suffering from scale buildup and overheating issues, which reduce thermal efficiency and pose fire risks.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a steam generator mounted on the outer case, featuring a drawer for water storage and electromagnetic induction heating, a double case structure with an air layer, and a thermistor-activated engaging device to prevent overheating, allowing for easy cleaning and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steam generating device and water tank are provided separately, then the steam generation function is achieved, but the volume of the cooking appliance becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generating device and water tank into an integrated unit where the heater is mounted on the outer surface of the water tank rather than being submerged inside it. This merging reduces the overall volume by eliminating separate components while maintaining the steam generation function through the integrated structure.
2Reliability
If the heater is fixed inside the steam generating device, then steam generation is achieved, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heater from the interior of the water tank and mounts it on the outer surface. This extraction allows the water tank interior to be fully accessible for cleaning without disassembling the heater, while the heater remains functional on the exterior, solving both cleaning accessibility and steam generation requirements.
3Reliability
If the heater is submerged in water, then steam generation is achieved, but scale buildup occurs around the heater
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the heater from the water interior and positioning it on the outer surface, the patent eliminates direct contact between the heater and water, thereby preventing scale deposition on the heater surface. The steam generation function is maintained through the heater's ability to heat water from the exterior.
4Ease of operation
If the heater is exposed over the water surface, then access is improved, but the heater overheats and fire risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the outer surface of the water tank as an intermediary medium between the heater and the water. The heater mounted on this surface can access the water for heating while the tank wall acts as a heat transfer medium, preventing direct exposure overheating while maintaining steam generation efficiency.
5Volume of stationary object
If the steam generating device is integrated with the water tank, then volume is reduced, but design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting arrangement where the heater can be positioned on different locations of the water tank outer surface, and the water tank can be designed with varying shapes and sizes. This dynamic flexibility maintains design freedom while achieving volume reduction through integration.
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
This design reduces appliance volume, enhances design flexibility, facilitates easy cleaning, prevents overheating, and ensures user safety by maintaining the steam generator at a lower temperature, thereby reducing the risk of burns and improving thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor installed at a bottom of the housing so as to heat the water filled in the drawer using electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case in which a cooking chamber is formed; a door for opening or closing the front opening of the case; a steam generating device mounted to the outer surface of the case; and a steam supply tube for connecting the steam generating device to the cooking chamber, wherein the steam generating device includes: a housing fixed to the case; a drawer which can be pushed into and pulled out of the housing and is filled with water for steam generation; and an induction unit installed at the bottom of the housing so as to heat water filled in the drawer by using electromagnetic induction.