Steam generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators have fixed shapes and outputs, making it difficult to provide optimal performance across various cooking device cavities, leading to increased manufacturing costs and decreased productivity due to the need for individual development and standardization of components.
Innovation Solution
A modular steam generator system that allows for adjustable internal volume and heater output by coupling and separating modules, using a base module with a water supply port and steam modules with a flow pipe and heater, featuring latching mechanisms and packing for secure assembly and steam leakage prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steam generator with fixed shape and output is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but it cannot provide optimal performance for various cavity volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is divided into multiple detachable modules, each with a standardized interface. This allows the system to be configured in different numbers and arrangements to match various cavity volumes while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal module design that can serve multiple cavity sizes. By standardizing the module interface and dimensions, the same basic module can be used in different configurations (1 module for small cavities, 2 modules for medium cavities, 3 modules for large cavities), eliminating the need to develop entirely different steam generators for each application.
2Reliability
If individual steam generators are developed for each cavity volume, then optimal performance is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steam generator into standardized modules, the patent enables mass production of identical module units. This increases productivity through standardized manufacturing processes while still allowing customization of the overall system configuration to achieve optimal performance for each cavity size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configurable parameter from the entire steam generator design to the number and arrangement of modules. This allows performance optimization through parameter adjustment (number of modules) rather than through complete redesign, maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modules are assembled to vary internal volume and output, then adaptability improves, but steam leakage may occur at coupling points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling member as an intermediary component between modules. This coupling member includes sealing structures that prevent steam leakage at the joint interfaces, allowing modules to be assembled and disassembled while maintaining reliable steam containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealing structures (such as gaskets or flexible sealing elements) at the module coupling interfaces. These flexible sealing components conform to the mating surfaces and prevent steam leakage while allowing for thermal expansion and assembly tolerances.
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
Enables optimized performance for each cavity volume without separate development, improves installability and manageability, reduces manufacturing costs through standardization, and enhances reliability by preventing steam leakage and allowing for various heater outputs using existing standards.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which supplies heat to the flow pipe
Implementation Method 2
a packing which seals between an inserting portion provided in a steam module and an expanded pipe provided in another steam module
Data Source
AI summary
A steam generator includes: a base module which has a water supply port for receiving steam water; and a steam module which is connected to an upper side of the base module, in which the steam module includes: a main body which has an upper surface and a lower surface; a flow pipe which is positioned at a central portion of the main body and into which the steam water flows; and a heater which supplies heat to the flow pipe, and in which another steam module is selectively coupled to an upper side of the steam module. According to this, the internal volume of the steam generator and the output of the heater provided in the steam generator can be selectively varied so as to provide an optimum output according to the volume of a cooking device in which the steam generator is installed.