Slow cooker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional searing slow cookers require two distinct heating elements, which complicates the cooking process and reduces efficiency, whereas the proposed solution simplifies this by using a single movable heating element with a lift mechanism that allows for both conductive and convective heating modes.

Innovation Solution

A slow cooker design featuring a single heating element that can be raised and lowered using a jack screw assembly, operated by a motor or manually, to facilitate both searing and slow cooking modes, with an integrated liner and temperature sensor for precise temperature control and air circulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two distinct heating elements are used for searing and slow cooking, then both functions can be performed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesearing and slow cooking functionalityVSAvoidnumber of heating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the searing and slow cooking heating elements into a single heating element that can perform both functions. The heating element is designed with a configuration that allows it to provide high heat for searing when in contact with the vessel bottom and lower heat for slow cooking when positioned above the vessel, eliminating the need for two separate heating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is made movable between two positions: a lowered position for searing where it contacts the vessel bottom, and an elevated position for slow cooking where it hovers above the vessel. This dynamic positioning allows a single heating element to perform both searing and slow cooking functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single heating element is used for both searing and slow cooking, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform both functions effectively may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of heating elementsVSAvoidsearing and slow cooking functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single heating element is designed to be universal, capable of performing both searing and slow cooking functions. Through mechanical positioning and control system coordination, one heating element achieves the versatility previously requiring two separate elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the heating element is movable between positions, then both conductive and convective heating modes are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidlift mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element positioning system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically moving between lowered and elevated positions based on the cooking mode required. The control system monitors temperature and cooking stage, autonomously adjusting the heating element position without requiring manual intervention, thereby enabling efficient cooking while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This design enhances cooking efficiency by allowing seamless transition between searing and slow cooking modes using a single heating element, improving heat transfer through conductive and convective methods, while maintaining precise temperature control and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

When the movable heating element is in the upper position, the movable heating element is substantially conductively thermally coupled to the removable cooking vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

when the movable heating element is in the lowered position, the movable heating element defines a gap such that the removable cooking vessel is substantially heated by the movable heating element through a process of convection heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection heating: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the device further includes an electric fan that causes air flow through the vents and about the heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11825975B2Slow cooker

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 BREVILLE HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A slow cooking appliance device. The device including: a body having a base, the body receives within it a removable cooking vessel; a movable heating element supported by the base; and a lift mechanism within the base for raising and lowering the movable heating element, such that the heating element is movable between an upper position and a lowered position.