Modular Steamer Ring with Adjustable Venting for Multi-Size Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam cooker accessories are not effectively designed for controlling steam exhaust and are limited in adaptability to different container sizes, making them unsuitable for efficient heating and cooking of steam food.

Innovation Solution

A steam cooker accessory featuring a steam generator with a removable ring that allows for adjustable steam exhaust, enabling better control over steam distribution and compatibility with various container sizes, along with a water tank for efficient steam production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed steam generator design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different container sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steam generator is divided into a fixed base unit and a removable ring component. The ring can be detached and replaced with different sized rings to accommodate various container diameters, enabling adaptability without redesigning the entire steam generator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the static steam generator into a dynamic system that can adjust its configuration. This allows the steam generator to adapt to different container sizes by swapping rings while keeping the base structure simple and fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If steam exhaust is not controlled, then the device is simple, but steam distribution efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsteam control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring acts as an intermediary component between the steam generator and the container. It provides a controlled interface for steam exhaust, directing steam efficiently into the container while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring provides localized steam control at the interface between the steam generator and container. By concentrating control functions in this specific location, the patent achieves efficient steam distribution without requiring complex control mechanisms throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ring is fixed to the steam generator, then the structure is stable, but different rings cannot be used with the same steam generator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various ringsVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the ring and steam generator is designed as a separable interface rather than a permanent fixed connection. This segmentation allows different rings to be attached and detached while maintaining stable connection during use, balancing adaptability with reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for flexible steam control and efficient steam production, accommodating different container sizes while promoting faster cooking and improved sealing for enhanced performance.

Implementation Method 1

a steam production chamber (20) connected to at least one steam distribution outlet (15) located in a lower part (10) of the steam generator (5)... a heating device (50) transforming the water present in the steam production chamber (20) into steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3558071B1Modular steamer accessory for steam-heating and/or -cooking food contained in a container
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SEB SA
  • EP3558071B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3558071B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3558071B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention concerns a steamer accessory (4) for steam-heating and/or -cooking food contained in a container, the steamer accessory (4) comprising a steam generator (5) comprising a steam production chamber connected to at least one steam distribution outlet provided in a lower part of the steam generator (5), the steamer accessory (4) comprising a ring (80) carrying the steam generator (5), the ring (80) having a lower surface (81) and an upper surface (82). According to the invention, the ring (80) provides, if so required, with the steam generator (5), at least one vent (90) bringing the lower surface (81) into communication with the upper surface (82). The invention also concerns an electric steamer comprising a container for containing the food to be heated and/or cooked, and a cover forming a steamer accessory (4) according to the above-mentioned features.