Steam Cooker Plenum Layout for Uniform Multi-Pan Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam cookers face challenges in achieving uniform heating across multiple pans, leading to inconsistent cooking times and temperatures, and generate noise due to the constant operation of circulation mechanisms like vacuum pumps or fans.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a plenum and steam distributor with strategically positioned openings to direct steam evenly throughout the cooking chamber, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps or fans by using gravity and condensation to manage steam flow, ensuring uniform heat distribution and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fan or circulation mechanism is used to circulate steam through the cooking chamber, then steam distribution is improved, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fan or circulation mechanism from the steam cooker system entirely. Instead of using mechanical circulation, the invention relies on natural steam rise and a plenum chamber to distribute steam uniformly across the cooking chamber through strategically positioned openings, thereby eliminating the complex circulation mechanism while maintaining effective steam distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam distribution system operates autonomously without external mechanical assistance. Steam naturally rises from the steam generator into the plenum chamber and then distributes itself through the openings in the cooking chamber walls, utilizing natural convection and pressure differential rather than requiring an active circulation mechanism.
2Productivity
If a vacuum pump is used to remove air from the cooking chamber, then cooking speed is improved, but noise and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the vacuum pump from the system. Instead of mechanically removing air to accelerate cooking, the invention allows steam to naturally displace air through the cooking chamber, achieving adequate cooking performance without the noise and complexity associated with vacuum pumping equipment.
3Temperature
If steam is circulated constantly to maintain temperature, then cooking temperature is maintained, but noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation and distribution operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the steam generator only when steam pressure in the plenum chamber drops below a threshold level, allowing the system to maintain temperature uniformity through intermittent steam supplementation rather than constant energy input.
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 solution achieves improved pan-to-pan uniformity, reduces cooking times, and eliminates noise, resulting in more efficient and consistent cooking performance while lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
As steam is generated within the steam chamber, the steam fills the chamber where it is directed to the plenum. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is formed to extend vertically along an interior wall of the steam cooker. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is defined between an interior wall of the steam cooker and a steam distributor that has a plurality of openings formed therein. The openings in the steam distributor allow for steam rising within the plenum to exit into the cooking chamber
Implementation Method 2
steam is then circulated through the cooker using a fan or other circulation mechanism to allow the steam to contact the food and increase the temperature of the food
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for directing steam distribution in a steam cooker. In one exemplary embodiment, steam is directed through a steam cooker by a plenum that is in fluid communication with a steam chamber. As steam is generated within the steam chamber, the steam fills the chamber where it is directed to the plenum. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is formed to extend vertically along an interior wall of the steam cooker. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is defined between an interior wall of the steam cooker and a steam distributor that has a plurality of openings formed therein. The openings in the steam distributor allow for steam rising within the plenum to exit into the cooking chamber by passing through the openings. A pressure switch may be utilized to turn off the steam generator in the steam cooker.