Modular Hot-Dog Steamer with Nested Storage and Portable Heat Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steaming systems are limited by their need for a stove-top, require significant storage space, and are not versatile for various cooking environments and applications.
Innovation Solution
A steaming system comprising a base component for fluid reception and steaming components that can be assembled and disassembled for efficient steam passage, allowing for compact storage and operation without a stove, with features like a steam generating apparatus, adjustable timer, and access mechanisms for easy food handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steaming pots are used on a stove-top, then steam can be produced to cook food, but the device is restricted to kitchen use and requires significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The steaming system is divided into separate components: a steam generation chamber, a steaming basket, and a handle assembly. These modular segments can be assembled and disassembled, allowing compact storage when not in use while maintaining full functionality during operation, thereby reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The steaming basket nests within the steam generation chamber, and smaller components nest within larger ones when disassembled. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume occupied during storage, addressing the storage space constraint while preserving the device's versatility for various cooking environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steaming pots are used on a stove-top, then steam can be produced to cook food, but the device is restricted to kitchen use
Solution Approach 1:
The steaming system is designed to function with multiple heat sources including stove-tops, campfires, and portable burners. The universal design incorporates a standardized base that can adapt to different heating environments, significantly improving environmental adaptability without substantially increasing device complexity through the use of simple, versatile components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as removable lids, adjustable steam vents, and flexible positioning of the steaming basket. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to various cooking conditions and environments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If steaming components are disassembled for storage, then storage space is minimized, but assembly time is required before use
Solution Approach 1:
The steaming components are designed with pre-configured assembly features including pre-positioned gaskets, pre-aligned connection points, and intuitive fitting mechanisms. This preliminary design preparation enables rapid assembly without complex alignment procedures, reducing the time penalty associated with disassembled storage while maintaining compact storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interfaces between components are designed to be equally accessible and uniformly simple, allowing assembly to begin from any component without requiring complex sequencing. This equipotential design approach minimizes assembly time by eliminating difficult-to-reach connection points and ensuring all components can be easily joined in any reasonable sequence.
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 system reduces assembly and operation time, minimizes storage space, and provides a versatile solution for steaming various foods efficiently and accurately, adaptable to different environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a base component adapted for receiving fluid therein, the base component being adapted to cooperate with a steam generating apparatus configured to heat up said fluid to produce corresponding steam
Implementation Method 2
the at least one steaming component has an interface being in fluid communication with the base component to allow the passage of steam from the base component into the steaming compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A steaming system is for steaming food. The steaming system including a base component adapted for receiving fluid therein, the base component being adapted to cooperate with a steam generating apparatus configured to heat up said fluid to produce steam. The steaming system also includes at least one steaming component includes a steaming compartment adapted to contain food to be steamed, the at least one steaming component being operatively mounted on the base component and being in fluid communication therewith. The steaming system is operable in a steaming configuration where the components are stacked onto one another to allow circulation of steam from the base component to the steaming compartment. The steaming system is further operable in a storage configuration where the base component is contained within the steaming compartment.