Slow Cooker with Movable Heating Element for Searing and Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional searing slow cookers utilize two distinct heating elements, which complicates the design and reduces efficiency compared to a single heating element system.
Innovation Solution
A slow cooker with searing functionality that employs a single movable heating element with a lift mechanism, allowing it to switch between an upper position for conductive heating and a lowered position for convective heating, along with an optional improved user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two distinct heating elements are used for searing and slow cooking, then both functions can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate heating elements into a single heating element that performs both searing and slow cooking functions. The single heating element is positioned to provide direct contact heating for searing and can also provide ambient heating for slow cooking, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single heating element is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide high-intensity direct heating for searing meats and also provide lower-intensity ambient heating for slow cooking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating elements for different cooking modes.
2Device complexity
If a single heating element is used for both searing and slow cooking, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide optimal heating for both functions simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a raised position for slow cooking and a lowered position for searing. This dynamic adjustment enables the single heating element to optimize its heating performance for different cooking functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the heating element is changed as a parameter to optimize cooking performance. By adjusting the vertical position of the heating element, the system can control the intensity and type of heating (direct contact vs. ambient) to match the required cooking function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heating element is made movable to switch between positions, then cooking versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the lift mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to be manually movable by the user, eliminating the need for complex motorized lift mechanisms. The user can directly raise or lower the heating element to switch between searing and slow cooking modes, thereby achieving cooking versatility without adding significant mechanical complexity.
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
Simplifies the design and improves performance by utilizing a single heating element effectively for both searing and slow cooking, enhancing cooking methods and user experience.
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
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
Data Source
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.