Multimode Cooking Assembly With Lid and Airflow Switching

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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, movable lid, and multiple heating elements that can operate in conductive and convective modes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, and dehydrating, using a combination of heating elements and air movement devices to achieve various cooking functions in a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking operation versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking device integrates multiple cooking functions (pressure cooking, air frying, slow cooking, dehydrating) into a single device by combining a heating element with an air movement device that can operate in different modes. The control system allows selection between conductive cooking mode (lid closed) and convective cooking mode (lid open), enabling one device to replace multiple specialized cooking devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single cooking device is designed to perform multiple cooking operations, then cost and storage space are reduced, but the device becomes more complex with multiple components and modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devices requiredVSAvoidcooking operation versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air movement device can dynamically change its operational state between different modes (conductive and convective cooking). The device transitions between modes by adjusting the air movement characteristics and lid position, allowing a single device structure to adapt to multiple cooking requirements without requiring separate dedicated components for each cooking type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for versatile cooking operations in multiple modes without the need for multiple devices, optimizing space and reducing costs while providing efficient and varied cooking capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating element associated with one of the housing and the lid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

in the convective cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an air movement device coupled to at least one of the housing and the lid to circulate air through the hollow interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3865029A1Cooking device and components thereof

Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

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AI summary

Disclosed herein are cooking systems for cooking food.