Multi-Mode Cooker Lid and Heating Layout for Pressure and Dry Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices are limited to single cooking operations, requiring multiple devices for various cooking modes, which is costly and space-consuming, necessitating a multifunctional device that can perform multiple cooking modes without the need for multiple appliances.
Innovation Solution
A cooking system with a housing and lid configuration that allows operation in multiple modes, including pressure cooking and dry cooking, using multiple heating elements and a fan to circulate air, enabling the same device to function as both a pressure cooker and a dry cooker without removing the food container, and allowing for seamless transitions between modes.
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 cooking device is designed to perform multiple cooking operations including pressure cooking, air frying, and dehydrating functions within a single integrated unit. The device incorporates interchangeable components such as different lids (pressure lid, air fry lid) and heating element configurations that enable the same base unit to execute various cooking modes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate appliances and reducing storage space requirements
2Adaptability 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 overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking device is designed to perform multiple cooking operations including pressure cooking, air frying, and dehydrating functions within a single integrated unit. The device incorporates interchangeable components such as different lids (pressure lid, air fry lid) and heating element configurations that enable the same base unit to execute various cooking modes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate appliances and reducing storage space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple cooking devices (pressure cooker, air fryer, dehydrator) into a single integrated unit. By merging these functions and sharing common components such as the heating elements, control system, and housing, the overall cost is reduced compared to purchasing and maintaining separate devices for each cooking operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single device performs multiple cooking operations, then cost and storage space are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking device is divided into modular functional components including interchangeable lids (pressure lid with sealing ring, air fry lid with heating element), removable food containers, and separate heating element assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling easy reconfiguration between cooking modes, thereby managing complexity through modularity rather than integrated monolithic design
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic reconfigurability where components such as lids and heating elements can be added, removed, or repositioned based on the desired cooking operation. The heating elements can be positioned in different locations (e.g., top, bottom, side) and the lids can be swapped to change the cooking mode, allowing the device to adapt its structure dynamically to match operational requirements rather than being statically complex
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 effectively integrates multiple cooking functions into a single device, reducing costs and storage needs while maintaining versatility and efficiency in cooking various food types without the need for multiple appliances.
Implementation Method 1
At least one heating element is associated with at least one of said housing and said lid
Implementation Method 2
A fan is also disposed in said lid at or above said opening to said hollow chamber
Implementation Method 3
At least one heating element is associated with at least one of said housing and said lid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system including a housing defining a hollow chamber configured to receive a food container. The housing has an upper portion defining an opening to the hollow chamber. A lid is movable relative to the housing. The lid contacts the housing in a closed position about the upper portion of the housing to close the opening to the hollow chamber. At least one heating element is associated with at least one of said housing and said lid. The cooking system is operable in a plurality of cooking modes including a pressure cooking mode and a dry cooking mode. In the pressure cooking mode, the cooking system is operable as a pressure cooker and in the dry cooking mode, the cooking system is operable as a dry cooker.