Perforated lid for the cooking of food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforated lids for cooking lack convenience in adjusting the distance between the deflector element and the holes, requiring manual operation and user memory to change temperature settings, which can lead to inefficient cooking and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a temperature-responsive device using shape-memory metal alloys or gallium, allowing the deflector element to automatically adjust its distance from the lid based on temperature changes, ensuring optimal air/steam exchange and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to change the distance between the deflector element and the lid, then the temperature control versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must remember to adjust the mechanism and it is inconvenient to operate during cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system performs the adjustment function automatically through the shape memory alloy mechanism that responds to temperature changes, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting temperature and autonomously adjusting the deflector position accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with a temperature-responsive shape memory alloy mechanism. Instead of requiring manual mechanical operation, the system uses thermomechanical properties of the alloy to automatically adjust the deflector element's position based on temperature conditions.
2Temperature
If the deflector element remains adherent to the lid, then heat retention is improved for rapid temperature rise, but temperature control deteriorates because the lid cannot prevent overheating when temperature limits are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system transitions from a static adherent state to a dynamic adjustable state. The deflector element's position changes dynamically based on temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt between rapid heating mode (adherent) and temperature control mode (spaced), providing both temperature rise rate and temperature control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance parameter between the deflector element and the lid is changed based on temperature conditions. At lower temperatures, the distance is minimal for rapid heating; when temperature limits are approached, the distance increases to allow vapor escape and prevent overheating, thus providing versatile temperature control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the deflector element and the lid is increased, then air exchange and vapor escape are improved to prevent overheating, but temperature rise rate deteriorates causing slower cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system employs periodic adjustment of the deflector element's position. The mechanism periodically transitions between adherent and spaced states based on temperature cycling during cooking, allowing the system to alternate between rapid heating phase and vapor escape phase, thus maintaining both cooking speed and safety.
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 automatic adjustment of the deflector element's position enhances cooking efficiency by maintaining optimal temperature control, ensuring rapid and homogeneous cooking while preventing heat loss and vapor escape.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature-responsive device using shape-memory metal alloys or gallium, allowing the deflector element to automatically adjust its distance from the lid based on temperature changes
Implementation Method 2
a spacer device placed between the cover and the deflector, which allows the deflector element to remain adherent to the outer surface of the perforated lid until reaching a predetermined temperature; to take distance from the surface of the lid when that temperature is exceeded
Data Source
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AI summary
Subject of the present invention is a perforated lid for cooking foods provided with a deflector element placed in correspondence of holes, equipped with a device which allows adjustment of the distance between the deflector element and the outer surface of the lid, in function of the temperature reached by the cooking container and by the lid; said spacer allowing to the deflector element to remain adhering to the external surface of the perforated lid up to the reaching of a pre-established temperature, to take distance from the surface of the lid when said temperature is exceeded, moving away more and more with increasing temperature and to return to the original position with the decreasing temperature.