Steam Cooking Container Closure for One-Handed Dual Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating and cooking food for children are cumbersome in design and lack the ability to cook different ingredients separately, making them impractical for simultaneous use and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A device with a design that allows simultaneous opening of the steam generator tank and cooking container using an articulated arm, enabling one-handed access and separate cooking of ingredients through dual steam generators and containers with a locking mechanism for efficient steam transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device uses separate closures for the tank and container, then each can be closed securely, but the user cannot access both simultaneously with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate closure mechanisms into a single integrated system. The articulated arm connects the tank closure and container closure, allowing a single user action to simultaneously open or close both components. This merging resolves the contradiction by enabling simultaneous access while maintaining secure closure of both tank and container.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tank closure and container closure. When the user operates one closure, the articulated arm transmits the motion to the other closure, enabling coordinated opening or closing of both components. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing simultaneous access without requiring complex independent control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device has a single cooking container, then the structure is simpler, but different ingredients cannot be cooked separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooking system into separate modules - multiple cooking containers, each with its own steam generator and closure mechanism. This segmentation allows different ingredients to be cooked separately in different containers while maintaining a modular structure that can be operated independently. Each segment can be opened, closed, and operated separately, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the through opening in the lid is positioned for steam generator communication, then steam transfer is efficient, but the lid cannot be easily removed from the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lid removable from the container, transforming a fixed connection into a dynamic, detachable one. The lid can be removed when needed for cleaning or maintenance, while during operation it provides efficient steam transfer through the positioned opening. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by allowing the lid to serve both functions: efficient steam communication during operation and easy removal when 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
Simplifies the use and cleaning process by allowing one-handed operation and separate cooking of ingredients like meat and vegetables, enhancing user convenience and cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator, intended to produce steam to heat or cook food
Implementation Method 2
produce steam to heat or cook food
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
This device for ensuring the heating and/or cooking of food, in particular for children, comprises: ● at least one steam generator (3), comprising a tank (5) able to receive water, intended to transform the steam to heat or cook food; ● at least one receptacle (4) for cooking and/or heating, in communication with said steam generator (3), receiving a removable cooking basket (6), able to receive the food to be heated and/or cooked; ● at least one sealing means capable of sealing the cooking and/or heating container (4), said means also sealing, simultaneously and reversibly, the cooking and/or heating container (4) and the tank (5) of the steam generator (3).