Segmented Steam Generator Structure to Prevent Cooking-Space Contamination

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam generators for cooking appliances face issues with water boiling over and contamination of the cooking space, which affects cooking efficiency and cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

A steam generator design with a steam chamber divided into multiple spaces, including a first space for water heating, a second space for saturated steam generation, and a third space for superheating, along with interference members and a steam guide tube to manage steam flow and prevent boiling over, ensuring efficient steam generation and delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single heating space is used for steam generation, then the device complexity is reduced, but water boiling over and contamination of the cooking space occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam generator structureVSAvoidwater boiling over and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating space is divided into three distinct spaces: a first heating space for water heating, a second heating space for saturated steam generation, and a third heating space for superheated steam generation. This segmentation prevents water boiling over by separating the water heating zone from the steam generation zone, thereby eliminating contamination of the cooking space while maintaining a manageable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Interference members are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the water supply part and the discharge part. These interference members act as barriers that prevent water from reaching the discharge part and contaminating the cooking space, while still allowing steam to pass through effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple heating spaces are used for steam generation, then water boiling over is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater boiling over preventionVSAvoidsteam generator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating space is divided into three distinct spaces: a first heating space for water heating, a second heating space for saturated steam generation, and a third heating space for superheated steam generation. This segmentation prevents water boiling over by separating the water heating zone from the steam generation zone, thereby eliminating contamination of the cooking space while maintaining a manageable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steam generator is integrated into the cooking appliance structure, with the steam generation system and cooking chamber closely coupled. The discharge part is positioned to directly supply steam to the cooking space without requiring separate external equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-space heating design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If steam is generated at high temperature, then cooking efficiency is improved, but the risk of water boiling over increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidwater boiling over

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating space is divided into three distinct spaces: a first heating space for water heating, a second heating space for saturated steam generation, and a third heating space for superheated steam generation. This segmentation prevents water boiling over by separating the water heating zone from the steam generation zone, thereby eliminating contamination of the cooking space while maintaining a manageable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steam generation process utilizes parameter changes by progressively heating water through three stages with increasing temperature. The steam temperature and pressure parameters are controlled at each stage to optimize cooking efficiency while preventing water boiling over through the segmented spatial design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively prevents boiling over and contamination, enhancing cooking efficiency by generating high-temperature superheated steam while maintaining a clean cooking environment.

Implementation Method 1

one steam heater to heat the water stored in the heating space to generate the steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

steam generated by heating the water stored in the heating space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

heating the water stored in the heating space to generate the steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoiling: Boiling

Data Source

PatentUS10047961B2Steam generator and cooking appliance

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A steam generator is provided. The steam generator may include a steam chamber, a steam heater to supply heat into the steam chamber, a water supply, through which water to generate steam may be supplied into the steam chamber, one or more interference members disposed in the steam chamber to interfere with a flow of the water introduced through the water supply, and at least one discharge to discharge the steam generated in the steam chamber. The one or more interference members may be disposed under the at least one discharge and above the water supply.