Modular Steam Chamber Assembly for Easier Oven Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances with steam heating sources require complex assembly and maintenance due to separate steam inlet and outlet openings, which complicates the assembly process and makes cleaning difficult.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance design featuring a common structural unit with multiple steam inlet and outlet openings aligned laterally and approximately parallel to the cooking chamber walls, allowing for easier assembly and cleaning, with a temperature sensor integrated into the steam outlet opening for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate steam inlet and outlet openings are installed in the cooking chamber, then steam control functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steam openings (inlet and outlet) into a single integrated structural unit that can be installed as one piece in the cooking chamber. This merging of separate components into a unified module reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the required steam control functionality through multiple openings.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components are installed in the cooking chamber, then steam distribution is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple steam openings into a single removable structural unit, the patent enables easier cleaning of the cooking chamber. The integrated unit can be removed as one piece, allowing straightforward access to all surfaces for cleaning, while still providing multiple openings for effective steam distribution throughout the chamber.
3Productivity
If steam openings are distributed throughout the cooking chamber, then steam coverage is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steam distribution system into a modular structural unit containing multiple openings that is pre-assembled outside the cooking chamber. This segmentation allows the complex multi-opening structure to be manufactured and tested separately, then installed as a single module, improving both steam coverage and assembly ease.
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
Simplifies assembly and maintenance by consolidating steam openings onto a single unit, reduces humidity around the appliance, and ensures homogeneous steam distribution for efficient cooking while minimizing energy loss and improving cooking results.
Implementation Method 1
a cooking appliance with at least one cooking chamber (2) which can be heated by at least one steam source (3) arranged outside the cooking chamber
Implementation Method 2
If there is a negative pressure in the cooking chamber due to condensing steam
Implementation Method 3
The temperature sensor is arranged in the cooking chamber, which detects the temperature prevailing there
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device (1) has a steam source (3) arranged over an outer side of a cooking chamber (2) to be heated, and steam inlet openings e.g. steam nozzle, provided in the cooking chamber to discharge steam from the steam source into the cooking chamber. A steam outlet opening (8) is provided in the cooking chamber, and the steam is blown out from the cooking chamber through the steam outlet opening. The openings are arranged in a structural unit (10) that is provided in the cooking chamber in an exchangeable manner. A temperature sensor detects characteristic temperature (12) of the chamber.