Steam Evaporation Control for Consistent Cooking Chamber Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking appliances face challenges in maintaining consistent steam conditions due to variations in voltage and other environmental factors, leading to deviations from desired vapor deposition, which complicates the cooking process, especially in rural areas or high-altitude regions.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a cooking appliance that includes an evaporation device with a heating unit and liquid supply, where the time required for evaporation is compared to a characteristic time value to determine a correction value, allowing for adjustments to achieve precise steam conditions, and a temperature profile is monitored to assess calcification and optimize evaporation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage sensors and complex correction systems are installed to compensate for voltage variations, then steaming conditions can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteaming conditions consistencyVSAvoidcorrection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking appliance automatically determines correction values by comparing actual evaporation time with characteristic evaporation time, and self-adjusts the radiators' operation parameters without requiring external voltage sensors or complex correction systems. The system uses its own operational data (evaporation time) to identify and compensate for deviations caused by voltage variations or other factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power, duration) of the radiators based on determined correction values. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system compensates for voltage variations and environmental factors, maintaining consistent steaming conditions without adding complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If additional voltage sensors and correction systems are installed, then steaming accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor deposition accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The appliance uses its own operational characteristics (evaporation time of liquid) to determine correction values, eliminating the need for expensive voltage sensors and complex correction systems. This self-measuring approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining vapor deposition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical measurement systems (voltage sensors, correction systems) with a simpler time-based measurement approach. By measuring evaporation time and comparing it to characteristic values, the system achieves the same corrective function with much simpler, cheaper components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If evaporation time is monitored and correction values are applied, then steaming conditions are optimized, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteaming condition optimizationVSAvoidmeasurement and correction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Characteristic evaporation times are determined in advance for different liquid amounts and stored. During operation, the system only needs to measure the actual evaporation time and compare it with pre-stored characteristic values, rather than performing complex real-time calculations or measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where evaporation time is measured, compared with characteristic values, and correction values are applied to subsequent radiators' operation. This continuous feedback optimizes steaming conditions while keeping the measurement process simple and quick.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables easier maintenance of desired cooking conditions with reduced effort, compensating for voltage and other environmental variations, ensuring optimal steam production and reducing the need for additional costly sensors or complex correction systems.

Implementation Method 1

An evaporation device (3) is provided which includes a heating device (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The at least one discharge (6) is suitable and designed to at least partially lead the steam generated into the cooking space (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2461107B1Method for operating a cooking device
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2461107B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2461107B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2461107B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Cooking appliance and method for steaming the cooking chamber (2) of a cooking appliance (1) with an evaporation device (4). The evaporation device (3) comprises a heating device (4) and a supply (5) for liquids and a discharge (6) for vapor (7). The outlet (6) is suitable and designed to lead the steam (7) at least partially into the cooking chamber (2). Using a control device, the time (8) required to evaporate a certain amount (9) of liquid (10) can be compared with a time value (11) that is characteristic of this amount. A correction value (12) is determined from this.