Steam Cooking Container Layout for Focused Steam Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cooking appliances face inefficiencies due to steam dispersion across the entire cooking cavity, leading to increased cooking time, water consumption, and the need for larger water tanks, which in turn increases appliance size and requires frequent cleaning to remove condensate and food dregs.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance design featuring a steam generator with a nozzle to inject steam directly into a cooking container within the cavity, minimizing steam dispersion and incorporating a container cover and support system to manage steam supply and condensate, reducing water usage and eliminating the need for a separate drain hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If steam is dispersed to the entire cavity area, then steam coverage is improved, but cooking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing steam flow to specific locations where food is placed rather than dispersing it uniformly across the entire cavity. The steam generator positions the steam outlet close to the cooking container, concentrating steam delivery where it is most needed for efficient cooking.
2Area of stationary object
If steam is dispersed to the entire cavity area, then steam distribution is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers steam locally to the cooking container rather than dispersing it throughout the entire cavity. This concentrated delivery method reduces the total amount of steam (and thus water) required to achieve effective cooking, as steam is not wasted in empty spaces.
3Quantity of substance
If water tank capacity is increased to provide more steam, then steam supply is improved, but appliance size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameters by positioning the steam outlet close to the cooking container and using a focused steam flow. This allows a smaller water tank to generate sufficient steam because the steam is delivered more efficiently and directly to where it is needed, rather than requiring large quantities dispersed throughout a large cavity.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If drain hole is formed in cavity to drain condensate, then condensate removal is improved, but food dregs contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooking system into a removable cooking container that can be separated from the cavity. The cooking container collects condensate internally, and when removed, the container itself can be cleaned separately. This eliminates the need for a drain hole in the cavity, preventing food dregs from falling into the appliance while still allowing condensate to be managed effectively.
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 allows for faster cooking, reduced water and energy consumption, and simplified cleaning by containing steam condensate within the cooking container, maintaining cavity cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator generating steam to cook the foods
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle to inject the steam
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance, including: a cavity forming a cooking space of foods; a steam generator to generate steam for cooking the foods; a cooking container placed on a support part formed in the cavity, and having a cooking chamber to cook the foods and a steam hole to supply the steam generated from the steam generator; and a container cover to cover the cooking container.