Steam cooking system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial steam cooking systems with dual cavities often require separate steam generators and lack continuous venting to atmosphere, which can lead to regulatory issues and inefficient steam management.
Innovation Solution
A steam cooking system with a single steam generator that feeds two steam cooking cavities, utilizing a valved path arrangement with a main supply valve and two valves to selectively connect steam to either the cavities or a vent path to atmosphere, ensuring continuous venting and efficient steam distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single steam generator feeds two steam cooking cavities, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but steam distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steam distribution system into segmented control zones using individual valves for each cooking cavity. The single steam generator output is split into separate controllable paths to each cavity, allowing independent steam supply control while maintaining a unified generation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic steam distribution through electronically controlled valves that can rapidly switch steam flow between different cavities or to atmosphere. This dynamic control system allows flexible adjustment of steam allocation based on cooking requirements without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If the steam generator is continuously vented to atmosphere, then compliance with pressurized vessel regulations is achieved, but steam loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous venting capability to atmosphere through a dedicated vent path with control valve, ensuring the steam generator remains pressure-regulated and compliant with regulations. The system continuously manages pressure by venting excess steam while minimizing unnecessary steam loss through intelligent valve control based on operational demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vent control valve as an intermediary between the steam generator and atmosphere. This intermediary component regulates the venting process, opening only when necessary for pressure relief or regulatory compliance, thereby reducing unnecessary steam loss while maintaining required venting functionality.
3Reliability
If separate steam generators are used for each cavity, then steam supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steam generation functions into a single integrated steam generator unit. This unified system provides steam to multiple cavities through a common generation chamber, reducing the total number of generators while maintaining reliable steam supply through redundant distribution paths and individual cavity control valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steam generator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple cooking cavities simultaneously or independently. The generator can distribute steam to different cavities based on demand, providing universal steam supply capability that replaces multiple specialized generators while maintaining operational reliability.
4Productivity
If steam is selectively directed to different cavities using multiple valves, then steam management efficiency is improved, but valve arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes the valve arrangement in a structured hierarchical pattern with a main steam distribution point branching to individual cavity controls. This spatial organization of valves in a tree-like distribution network simplifies the complexity by creating a logical flow path from single source to multiple destinations, making the system more manageable despite having multiple valves.
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
The system provides suitable venting of the steam generator to atmosphere, improving steam management and compliance with pressurized vessel regulations, while allowing flexible steam distribution to both cavities for efficient cooking operations.
Implementation Method 1
The steam generator heats water to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
The steam generator heats water to generate steam
Data Source
AI summary
A steam cooking system includes a first steam cooking cavity, a second steam cooking cavity and a steam generator. The steam generator includes a steam outlet for selectively feeding steam to one or both of the first steam cooking cavity and the second steam cooking cavity, the outlet selectively connectable to feed steam to the first steam cooking cavity and/or the second steam cooking cavity via a valved fluid path. The valved fluid path includes a main supply valve, a first valve and a second valve configured and controllable to assure that the steam generator outlet is always connect to atmosphere by one or more paths.