Cooking device and components thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices are limited to single cooking operations, requiring multiple devices for various cooking modes, leading to cost and storage issues for consumers who want to cook food in different ways.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional cooking system that integrates conductive and convective cooking modes into a single device, allowing for operations such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, and dehydrating without removing the food container, using multiple heating elements and a fan system for air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cooking devices are used to perform different cooking operations, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost and storage space required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cooking functions (pressure cooking, air frying, dehydrating, steaming) into a single cooking device. The device includes a removable food container that can be used across different cooking modes, and a control system that automatically adjusts heating elements and fan operation based on the selected cooking mode, eliminating the need for multiple separate appliances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines conductive heating elements and convective fan systems into one integrated cooking device. The housing contains both heating elements positioned to provide conductive heating and a fan assembly to provide convective air circulation, allowing the same food container to be used for both pressure cooking and air frying operations
2Ease of operation
If the food container is removed between cooking modes, then cleaning and preparation for the next mode is easier, but time is lost and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the food container within the housing such that it remains in place during mode transitions. The control system is pre-programmed with cooking parameters for different modes, and the heating elements and fan are pre-positioned to automatically activate in the correct sequence based on the selected mode, eliminating the need for manual intervention or container removal
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 versatile cooking options within a single device, reducing the need for multiple appliances and optimizing space and cost, while maintaining efficient cooking performance across different modes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one heating element is associated with at least one of said housing and said lid
Implementation Method 2
The cooking system is operable in a conductive cooking mode and a convective cooking mode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cooking system including a housing defining a hollow chamber. An upper portion of the housing defines an opening to the hollow chamber. A food container is receivable within said hollow chamber. A lid configured to cover the upper portion of the housing and the opening in a closed position, is moveable to an open position where the lid does not cover the opening. At least one heating element is associated with the housing or the lid. The cooking system is operable in a conductive cooking mode and a convective cooking mode. In said conductive cooking mode, the cooking system is operable as a conductive cooker and in said convective cooking mode, the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker. The cooking system is operable in the conductive cooking mode and then the convective cooking mode without removing said food container from said hollow chamber.