Cooking apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses lack modular flexibility, limiting users' ability to customize cooking configurations based on different cooking methods and heat sources, and often suffer from inefficient heat management and aesthetics due to the lack of a unified mounting structure for various cooking modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooking apparatus with a cooktop part that allows for the combination of various cooking modules, such as burner, induction, sous vide, and griddle modules, with a unified mounting structure, insulation, and a deco member to enhance aesthetics and heat isolation, supported by front and rear supports and module brackets, enabling flexible arrangement and efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed non-modular cooktop structure is used, then manufacturing and installation are simpler, but user customization flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooktop is divided into multiple independent cooking modules (burner modules, induction modules, griddle modules, etc.) that can be selectively arranged and combined. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own heating element and control, allowing users to customize the cooktop configuration by selecting and arranging different module types according to their cooking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting structure and standardized interface system is provided that accommodates various types of cooking modules (gas burners, induction coils, electric heating elements, griddles). The common mounting structure includes standardized support frames, connection mechanisms, and control interfaces that work with all module types, enabling one cooktop base to support multiple different cooking configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various cooking modules are mounted without a unified structure, then module variety is increased, but mounting consistency and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A universal mounting structure with standardized dimensions, attachment points, and alignment features is provided. This structure ensures that all cooking modules, regardless of type, are mounted at the same height and orientation, creating a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance while still accommodating module variety.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining overall uniformity through the universal mounting structure, the design allows for local variations in module types and configurations. Each module can have its own specific features (different burner types, induction zones, griddle surfaces) while the mounting structure ensures they all align properly and maintain consistent spacing and height.
3Ease of operation
If cooking modules are disposed at different heights, then individual module installation is easier, but overall appearance and heat management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to bring all cooking modules to the same height level, creating an equipotential surface. Standardized support frames, shims, or adjustable mounting brackets are used to compensate for any height variations in individual modules, ensuring all modules sit flush with the cooktop surface for a uniform appearance.
4Loss of energy
If cooking modules are mounted without insulation, then heat transfer between modules increases, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Insulation material is strategically placed between adjacent cooking modules to block heat transfer. The insulation is integrated into the mounting structure or placed in the gaps between modules, effectively reducing thermal energy loss and preventing heat from one module from affecting adjacent modules without adding significant structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus has a structure in which cooking modules different from each other are selectively mounted with a free arrangement structure on a top surface of the cooking apparatus.