Cooking device and components thereof
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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 with a housing, lid, and heating elements that can operate in multiple modes, including pressure cooking and convective cooking, by forming a pressure-tight heating volume and using a venting system to manage pressure and air flow, allowing for various cooking modes without the need for multiple devices.
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 implements a single cooking device capable of performing multiple cooking operations including pressure cooking, air frying, and other modes by integrating different heating elements and controllable venting systems. The lid assembly with selective venting and the housing with multiple heating elements work together to enable various cooking functions within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate appliances.
2Device complexity
If a single device is designed to perform multiple cooking operations, then cost and storage space are reduced, but the device structure and control mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooking device into distinct functional modules: a housing with first and second heating elements, a lid assembly with controllable vents, and a control system. Each module performs a specific function, and their coordinated operation enables multiple cooking modes. The segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable venting mechanisms in the lid assembly that can adjust opening degrees and positions to control air flow and pressure during different cooking operations. The venting system transitions between different states (open, closed, partially open) to accommodate various cooking modes, enabling the device to adapt its functionality dynamically rather than requiring fixed structural configurations for each mode.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-function cooking devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but consumers need to accumulate multiple devices to cook food in different ways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking functions into a single integrated device by merging the capabilities of pressure cookers, air fryers, and other cooking appliances into one unified system. The housing, lid assembly, heating elements, and venting systems work together as an integrated unit that can perform various cooking operations, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
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 system integrates multiple cooking functions into a single device, reducing costs and storage needs while enabling a range of cooking modes, such as pressure cooking and air frying, with efficient temperature and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
At least one heating element is associated with at least one of the housing and the lid
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the lid is selectively positionable to form a pressure-tight heating volume between the hollow chamber and the portion of the lid
Implementation Method 3
an air movement device, said air movement device being arranged within said pressure-tight heating volume
Implementation Method 4
a pressure release mechanism operable when a pressure within said pressure-tight heating volume exceeds a defined pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking system includes a housing defining a hollow chamber configured to receive food. The housing has an upper portion defining an opening to said hollow chamber. A lid is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The lid seals the opening to the hollow chamber when in the closed position. A portion of the lid is selectively positionable to form a pressure-tight heating volume between the hollow chamber and the portion of said lid. At least one heating element is associated with at least one of the housing and the lid. The at least one heating element is arranged within the pressure-tight heating volume.