Stirring vessel for a kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food processors require multiple containers for different processing steps, such as heating and mixing, which complicates handling and energy usage, and existing integrated heating solutions often lead to inefficient heating and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A processing container with an optically transparent, planar electrical heating layer that covers a significant portion of the container's surface, allowing for efficient heat distribution and energy savings, while being aesthetically versatile and user-friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional resistance wire heaters are used for heating the container, then heating function is achieved, but the heating is inefficient and causes excessive local heating in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistance wire heaters (mechanical/point heating system) with an electrical heating layer that converts electrical energy directly into heat across a broad surface area, eliminating the need for mechanical wire configurations and achieving uniform heat distribution without excessive local heating
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional wire heating elements to a two-dimensional heating layer that covers a broad surface area of the container, enabling heat to be distributed across the entire surface rather than concentrated at wire locations, thus achieving uniform heating
2Loss of energy
If multiple containers are used for different processing steps (heating and mixing), then heating function is achieved, but handling becomes complicated and energy usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating and mixing functions into a single container by integrating an electrical heating layer directly into the container structure, allowing both thermal processing and mechanical mixing to occur simultaneously in one vessel, thereby reducing handling complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating an electrical heating layer, enabling the same container to perform both heating and mixing operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized containers for different processing steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating elements are integrated into the container, then heating function is achieved, but the container becomes heavier and more complex to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-film electrical heating layer integrated into the container structure, which adds minimal weight and complexity compared to conventional bulky heating elements, while providing efficient heating functionality across the container surface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the heating element by using a thin-film electrical heating layer instead of conventional thick wire heaters, reducing the weight and complexity additions while maintaining or improving heating efficiency
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 efficient and energy-saving heating, reduces heating time, enhances user safety by preventing burns, and allows for multiple processing steps in a single container without excessive design complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical heating layer within the meaning of the present invention is a single-layer or multi-layer layer that converts electrical energy into heat
Data Source
AI summary
A processing container (1) for a kitchen appliance is provided, the processing container (1) having an integrated heating element for heating the contents of the container, and the heating element being designed as an electrical heating layer (3). The invention aims to facilitate the preparation of meals. In particular, a more efficient and thus more energy-saving heating of food during preparation should be made possible. The processing container and the kitchen appliance should be simple and inexpensive to produce.