Steam Cooker Control Method to Reduce Leakage and Improve Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steam supplied into the cooking chamber may be discharged into the cooker, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage through porous parts, and uneven circulation.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a cooker that includes furnishing steam into the cooking chamber while operating a convection fan and motor to ensure even circulation and prevent steam leakage, using a steam generator with a heater and water supply pump to maintain steam supply effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If steam is supplied into the cooking chamber, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but steam may leak through porous parts and be discharged into the cooker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking effectivenessVSAvoidsteam leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates the fan motor before steam is supplied into the cooking chamber, creating a protective air flow that prevents steam from leaking through porous parts. This preliminary action establishes a barrier against the harmful effect before the main process begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fan motor acts as an intermediary device that generates air flow to block steam from penetrating through the porous heating chamber wall. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct contact between steam and the porous structure, eliminating the leakage path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If steam is supplied into the cooking chamber, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but steam circulation may be uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking effectivenessVSAvoidsteam distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fan motor creates dynamic air flow patterns that actively circulate steam throughout the cooking chamber. This mechanical movement of air prevents stagnant zones and ensures uniform steam distribution across all areas of the cooking chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic principles by employing the fan motor to generate forced air flow that carries steam throughout the cooking chamber. This pneumatic circulation mechanism ensures even distribution of steam without relying on passive diffusion alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Use of energy by moving object

If a porous part is used for transferring heater energy to the cooking chamber, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but steam can leak through it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsteam discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fan motor generates a counteracting air flow that opposes the tendency of steam to penetrate through the porous heating chamber wall. This counter-flow creates a pressure balance that prevents steam discharge while maintaining the beneficial porous structure for heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of steam leakage into a beneficial controlled environment by using the fan motor to create a protective air barrier. The same porous structure that enables heat transfer now works in conjunction with the air flow to prevent steam discharge, turning a vulnerability into a controlled feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method enhances the effectiveness and safety of steam cooking by reducing steam leakage and ensuring even distribution, thereby improving cooking reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a steam generator (30) which generates steam by heating water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a convection fan (16) and a convection motor (17) which circulate air inside the cooking chamber when steam is supplied into the cooking chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a porous part for transferring the energy of a heater installed outside the cooking chamber to the cooking chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2417882B2Cooking appliance control method

Publication Date: 2022.06.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

A cooker controlling method is provided. The method for controlling a cooker includes supplying energy into a cooking chamber by at least one heater, furnishing steam water by a water supply pump for generating steam supplied to the cooking chamber, and generating steam by heating steam water furnished by means of the water supply pump, by a steam generator. The operation of the steam heater is completed after the operation of the steam pump is ended. Therefore, a cooker configured to effectively and safely cook a food using steam.