Modular Steamer Ring with Venting for Adaptable Container Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam production apparatuses for food heating and cooking lack control over steam escape and are not adaptable to different container sizes, making them inefficient and limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A steamer accessory with a steam generator and a ring system that includes a vent allowing communication between the lower and upper faces of the ring, enabling adjustable steam control and compatibility with various container sizes, along with a removable water reservoir for efficient steam production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steam generator is designed for one-off steam injection into a grill, then steam injection capability is achieved, but it is not suited for steam-heating or steam-cooking food
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a steam generator unit and a ring component with vents. The ring can be removed and replaced depending on the specific steam-heating application, allowing the same steam generator to be adapted to different uses (grill, food heating, food cooking) without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring component with vents is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing dynamic adaptation of the device to different applications. The vents in the ring provide controlled steam escape paths that can be adjusted or changed based on the specific steam-heating or steam-cooking task.
2Ease of operation
If a steam generator is designed for controlled steam escape, then steam control is improved, but adaptability to different container sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ring component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates vents for steam escape control, and can be removed to adapt to different container sizes. The same ring design works across various applications, providing both steam control and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent configuration in the ring can be modified or the ring itself replaced to change the steam escape parameters (number, size, and position of vents) while maintaining the same basic device structure, allowing adaptation to different container sizes and steam-control requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If a steamer accessory is designed to fit specific container sizes, then fit precision is improved, but versatility across different container sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steamer accessory is segmented into a steam generator and a separate ring component. The ring can be removed and replaced with different sizes to fit different containers, while the steam generator remains the same. This segmentation allows precise fit to different containers without sacrificing versatility.
4Device complexity
If a steam generator is designed with integrated venting, then device integration is improved, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted from the steam generator and placed in a separate removable ring component. This allows the steam generator to remain simple and integrated, while the venting capabilities can be adapted by changing the ring, thereby maintaining both device integration and adaptability.
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 solution allows for controlled steam escape and adaptability to different container sizes, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of steam-heating and cooking processes while being economical to construct and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (5) comprising a steam production chamber (20) connected to at least one steam distribution outlet (15) provided in a lower part (10) of the steam generator (5)
Implementation Method 2
the ring (80; 80') provides, if desired, with the steam generator (5), at least one vent (90; 90') bringing the lower face (81; 81') of the ring (80; 80') into communication with the upper face (82; 82') of the ring (80; 80')
Data Source
AI summary
A steamer accessory for steam-heating and/or -cooking food contained in a container, the steamer accessory including a steam generator including a steam production chamber connected to at least one steam distribution outlet provided in a lower part of the steam generator, the steamer accessory including a ring carrying the steam generator, the ring having a lower surface and an upper surface. The ring provides, if so required, with the steam generator, at least one vent bringing the lower surface into communication with the upper surface.