Multifunction cooking device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooking devices can only accommodate one of the shallow or deep pans at a time, leading to inefficient use of space as the other pan must be stored separately.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction cooking device with a base unit, a cooking pan, and a cover unit, where the cooking pan has opposite cooking surfaces and surrounding walls of varying heights, allowing for interchangeable use and storage within the device's annular receiving space, and a scald-preventing frame for enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conventional cooking device accommodates only one pan (shallow or deep) at a time, then the cooking function is simple and device structure is straightforward, but the space utilization is inefficient and storage space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking function versatilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking pan is designed with dual functionality: the bottom wall has first and second cooking surfaces that can be alternately positioned to contact the heating unit, enabling both shallow pan and deep pan cooking modes with a single pan component. This eliminates the need for separate storage of multiple pans while maintaining versatile cooking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit, allowing it to move between different positions to accommodate different pan configurations. The cover plate can abut against different parts of the pan (shallow pan top surface or deep pan surrounding wall top end) depending on the cooking mode, enabling dynamic adaptation to different cooking functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the cover unit is located in close proximity to the base unit, then the cooking space is compact, but the deep pan cannot be properly accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking space volumeVSAvoidpan type accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit, allowing it to move between different positions. When a deep pan is used, the cover unit can be positioned farther from the base unit to accommodate the deeper cooking space requirements. When a shallow pan is used, the cover unit can be positioned closer to create a compact cooking space, thus adapting to different pan types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The surrounding wall of the cooking pan is divided into different height portions (first surrounding wall portion and second surrounding wall portion), allowing the pan to function as both a shallow pan and a deep pan by exposing different wall portions to the cover plate, thereby accommodating different cover unit positions.

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

Enables efficient use of space by allowing both shallow and deep pans to be stored within the device, while the scald-preventing frame enhances user safety by reducing heat transmission and preventing scalding.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a scald-preventing frame for enhanced safety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3058856B1Multifunction cooking device
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 TSANN KUEN ZHANGZHOU ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • EP3058856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3058856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3058856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multifunction cooking device (100) includes a base unit (3), a cooking pan (2), and a cover unit (4). The base unit (3) includes a base seat (31) that defines an annular receiving space (33), and a heating unit (32) disposed in the base seat (31) and surrounded by the annular receiving space (33). The cooking pan (2) is disposed on the base unit (3), and includes a bottom wall (61) contacting with the heating unit (32), and a surrounding wall (62) transversely extending from the bottom wall (61) and inserted into the annular receiving space (33). The cover unit (4) is movably connected to the base unit (31) and covers the cooking pan (2).