Single-Lid Cooker Assembly for Air Frying and Pressure Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking utensils with air frying and pressure cooker functions require two lids and two separate power sources, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cooking utensil design that uses a single lid to switch between air frying and pressure cooking functions, featuring a cooker body with a heating plate, inner pot, and a fan subassembly that adjusts airflow to convert between modes by altering the placement and use of the air frying subassembly and lid configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two lids are equipped (one for pressure cooker, one for air fryer), then both functions can be achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be configured as a pressure cooker lid with sealing components or transformed into an air fryer lid by removing the sealing ring and installing different components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for two separate lids, reducing structural complexity while maintaining both cooking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid system is made dynamic and reconfigurable rather than static. Users can transform the lid between pressure cooker and air fryer modes by removing and installing different components (sealing ring, air fryer components). This dynamic reconfiguration allows one lid to serve multiple purposes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two lids with separate power sources are used, then both functions work independently, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid with integrated heating element and motor serves both air frying and pressure cooking functions. The heating element can heat air for air frying or heat the inner pot for pressure cooking, and the motor can drive the fan for air frying or the stirring blade for pressure cooking. This eliminates the need for separate electrical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical components (heating element, motor) are merged into the single lid structure, allowing one electrical system to support multiple cooking functions. This consolidation reduces the complexity of electrical connections compared to having separate powered lids for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fan subassembly is added to enable air frying function, then air frying capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan subassembly is merged with the heating element and motor into an integrated air frying subassembly that can be installed in the lid. This combined unit provides air frying functionality without requiring separate fan, heater, and control systems, thus adding minimal complexity while achieving the desired capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan subassembly is designed to be dynamically installed or removed based on the desired cooking mode. When air frying is needed, the subassembly is installed; when pressure cooking is needed, it can be removed or deactivated. This dynamic approach adds functionality while allowing the system to simplify when the additional capability is not needed.
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 cost-effective operation by using a single lid and power source, allowing seamless transition between air frying and pressure cooking without the need for additional lids or power couplers, thereby simplifying the cooking process and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heating plate arranged above a bottom surface of the middle housing
Implementation Method 2
the fan subassembly blows heat generated by the heating plate to an inner cavity of the air frying subassembly
Implementation Method 3
a through hole is formed in the middle of the heating plate; the vertical column is connected with the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking utensil with air frying and pressure cooker functions. The cooking utensil includes a cooker body (1), an inner pot (2), a lid (4), and a heating plate (5); the cooker body (1) includes a middle housing (15) and an outer housing (23); the heating plate (5) is arranged above a bottom surface of the middle housing (15); the inner pot (2) is arranged in an inner cavity of the middle housing (15). When the air frying subassembly (3) is put into the cooker body, the fan subassembly works, and the centrifugal air turbine (12) draws air in the cavity of the middle housing (15) into the bottom surface of the middle housing (15) and exchanges heat with the heating plate (5) to cook food.