Modular Baby Bottle Heater and Sterilizer for Space-Saving Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sterilizing baby items, such as baby bottles, require complex handling and occupy significant space due to the need for a single housing to perform both heating and sterilization functions, limiting their usability, especially in microwaves.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with a steam-generating unit connected to a trough-shaped water holding unit, allowing for interchangeable support and cover modules to facilitate either heating or sterilization, enabling the same water intake unit to be used for different functions with a tubular steam outlet for efficient steam distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single housing is used for both heating and sterilization functions, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device occupies significant space and requires complex handling
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a steam generation unit and a microwave-safe container, allowing users to selectively assemble only the needed components for each task (heating vs. sterilization), thereby reducing the space occupied at any given time while maintaining multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave-safe container is designed to serve multiple purposes: it can be used for heating baby food in the microwave, for sterilization when assembled with the steam generation unit, and for storage, making a single component perform multiple functions without requiring a large dedicated housing
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single housing is used for both heating and sterilization functions, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sterilization function into a detachable assembly of the steam generation unit and microwave-safe container, the device allows simple pick-up-and-use operation for microwave heating without requiring users to manipulate complex integrated mechanisms for both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generation unit automatically generates steam when water is added and heated, eliminating the need for manual sterilization solution preparation or complex operational steps, while the microwave-safe container requires no special handling instructions for microwave use
3Device complexity
If the same housing is used for heating and sterilization, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot be used in microwave without the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation unit is designed as a separate detachable component from the microwave-safe container, allowing users to remove the steam generation unit and use the container alone in the microwave for heating baby food, thereby enabling microwave compatibility while maintaining simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element and steam generation components are extracted as optional detachable parts, leaving a simple microwave-safe container that can be used independently in the microwave, thus providing microwave compatibility without requiring complex integrated design
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 modular design allows for parts-saving, cost-effective, and space-efficient operation, enabling easy switching between heating and sterilization modes, including microwave use without the steam generation unit, and supports both steam and cold sterilization methods.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation unit (2) which is connected to a trough-shaped water holding unit (3, 4)
Implementation Method 2
the water intake unit is connected to the steam generation unit, which in particular has electrical heating means in order to evaporate the water in the water intake unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1) of heating and sterilizing a baby item, in particular a baby bottle (1'), comprising a steam generation unit (2) that is connected to a tub-shaped water holding unit (3). In a first functional position, the water holding unit (3) is connected to a carrying unit (8) having a support surface (9) for the baby item, and in a second functional position, the water holding unit (3) is alternatively connected to a cover plate (17) having a tubular steam outlet (17'). Also disclosed are a sterilization container (18) and a cover plate (17) for a device (1) of said type.