Method of operating a steam generator, steam generator and cooking device with a steam generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators for cooking devices face challenges in quickly starting steam generation, leading to delayed operation of household devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and steam generator design with two heating devices at different heights, utilizing temperature detection devices to control heating element activation and water filling, ensuring efficient steam generation by activating the lower heating device early and the upper heating device when steam is present, with adaptive water filling based on temperature thresholds and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single heating device is used in conventional steam generators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the steam generation speed is insufficient and operation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple heating devices positioned at different heights within the water container. This segmentation allows different regions of water to be heated simultaneously at different rates, significantly accelerating steam generation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The heating approach transitions from a single-point heating method to a multi-level spatial heating distribution. By placing heating devices at different vertical positions, the system creates a three-dimensional heating field that rapidly heats water throughout the container volume, dramatically improving steam generation speed
2Speed
If heating devices are activated immediately upon water filling, then steam generation starts faster, but water boils too quickly causing unsafe conditions and operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to a controlled temperature threshold before activating full steam generation. Temperature detection devices monitor water temperature and trigger heating device activation only when optimal conditions are met, ensuring safe and reliable operation while maintaining fast steam generation start-up
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature detection devices provide continuous feedback on water temperature conditions. The control unit processes this feedback to dynamically control heating device activation, creating a closed-loop system that prevents unsafe boiling conditions while maintaining rapid steam generation capability
3Quantity of substance
If water is continuously filled during heating, then sufficient water is available for steam generation, but the heating efficiency is reduced due to constant temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
Water filling is performed in advance to predetermined levels before heating activation. This preliminary water supply ensures sufficient water is available for steam generation without requiring continuous filling during heating, thereby maintaining heating efficiency and reducing energy waste from temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous steam generation by ensuring adequate water supply is prepared in advance. Once heating begins, the pre-filled water allows uninterrupted heating action without the efficiency losses associated with continuous water addition, sustaining productive steam generation throughout the operation
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 approach significantly speeds up steam generation by optimizing heating element activation and water levels, allowing for faster device operation and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
two heating devices on the water container, in particular applied to an outside thereof
Implementation Method 2
steam generation by activating the lower heating device early and the upper heating device when steam is present
Implementation Method 3
a flat first temperature detection device is provided and covers a temperature detection area. This temperature detection area includes at least the area covered by the heating devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steam generator has a water container and an upper heating device and a lower heating device, a first temperature detection device covering a temperature detection area including the area covered by the two heating devices, a control device for monitoring and evaluating the first temperature detection device and for controlling the activation state of the two heating devices. A flat first temperature detection device covers the outside of the container, and a second spot-like temperature sensor is located on the water container in a region of an upper border of the upper heating device. Both temperature detection devices are used to activate and deactivate the two heating devices such that at first the lower heating device is activated to start generating steam as fast as possible.