Modular Steam Generator Design for Adaptable Cavity Volume Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators have fixed shapes and outputs, making it difficult to provide optimal performance in cooking devices with varying cavity volumes, 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 design that allows for adjustable internal volume and heater output, enabling modules to be easily assembled or disassembled, coupled, and separated, using a latching system and standardized heaters to accommodate different cavity volumes without requiring new standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steam generator is designed with fixed shape and output, then manufacturing and standardization are simplified, but it cannot provide optimal performance for cavities of various volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is divided into multiple detachable modules, each capable of independently generating steam. These modules can be assembled in different quantities and configurations to match various cavity volumes, eliminating the need for individual development for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system where modules can be added or removed based on the cavity volume requirements, enabling optimal performance across different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
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, a single module design can be mass-produced and then assembled in different quantities to meet various cavity volume requirements, significantly improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modules are designed to be universal and interchangeable, allowing the same module to be used across different applications and cavity volumes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and increasing productivity through economies of scale.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modules are assembled to vary internal volume and output, then adaptability is improved, but steam leakage may occur at coupling points
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling member is introduced as an intermediary component between modules to ensure reliable connection. The coupling member includes a coupling protrusion that fits into a coupling groove, creating a sealed connection that prevents steam leakage while allowing modular assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the heater output is varied by using different heater specifications, then performance is optimized, but new standards must be acquired according to laws and regulations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using different heater specifications that would require new standards, the system achieves variable output by changing the number of identical heater modules assembled. Each module uses the same standardized heater, maintaining compliance with existing standards while providing flexible output adjustment.
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
This design provides optimized performance for each cavity volume without separate development, improves installability and manageability, prevents steam leakage, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances productivity by allowing various heater outputs using existing standards.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit which heats water stored in the water storage tank or the water flowing through the heating unit
Implementation Method 2
generate saturated steam by heating the water supplied from an external water source and to supply the superheated steam generated by heating the saturated steam
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a steam generator including: 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.