Nested Cooking Pan Structure for Space-Saving Multifunction Cookers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices can only accommodate one of either a shallow or deep pan 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 dual cooking surfaces and a scald-preventing frame, and the base unit includes a heating unit surrounded by an annular receiving space, allowing for interchangeable use and storage of both pans without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the conventional cooking device accommodates only one pan at a time, then the device structure remains simple, but the storage space efficiency deteriorates as the other pan must be stored separately
Solution Approach 1:
The shallow pan is designed to be nestable within the deep pan, allowing both pans to be stored together in a compact configuration. The annular receiving space in the base unit is specifically designed to receive the nested pans, enabling space-efficient storage without complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the cover unit to be positioned at different heights. The annular receiving space is formed between the base seat and the cover seat, effectively using the vertical space above the heating unit to store pans when not in use, thereby improving storage efficiency without increasing the device's footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooking device is designed for single-pan use, then the manufacturing cost remains low, but the versatility deteriorates as users need multiple devices or pans for different cooking functions
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit with its annular receiving space and heating unit serves multiple functions: it can hold and heat either a deep pan or a shallow pan, and also provide storage space for both pans when nested. The cover unit can accommodate different pan configurations, enabling the same device to perform various cooking functions without requiring additional components.
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 simultaneous use and storage of both shallow and deep pans, enhancing versatility and reducing storage needs by allowing the pans to be inserted into the base unit when not in use, thus addressing the space inefficiency of prior devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction cooking device includes a base unit, a cooking pan, and a cover unit. The base unit includes a base seat that defines an annular receiving space, and a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space. The cooking pan is disposed on the base unit, and includes a bottom wall contacting with the heating unit, and a surrounding wall transversely extending from the bottom wall and inserted into the annular receiving space. The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit and covers the cooking pan.