Vapor generation device and cooking device with vapor generation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steam generators fail to reliably prevent boiling water from running up and ejecting from the steam spout port, leading to inefficiencies and noise due to large bubble formation.

Innovation Solution

A steam generator design featuring a water storage chamber with fins that extend along the steam-generating direction under the steam spout port, increasing heat transfer efficiency and contact area, and providing heating elements above and below the water surface to convert bubbles into steam, thereby preventing boiling water ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat dissipation fins are provided in the steam generating chamber, then boiling water running-up is prevented, but the reliability of preventing boiling water ejection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of preventing boiling water ejectionVSAvoidboiling water ejection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating portion is divided into multiple heating elements arranged at different positions (above and below water surface, at different heights) to provide comprehensive heating coverage. This segmentation allows each heating element to address specific zones, collectively achieving reliable prevention of boiling water ejection through distributed steam generation throughout the water volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heating portions are strategically positioned at different locations within the water storage chamber - some above the water surface, some below, at different heights. This local quality approach ensures that steam is generated at multiple specific zones simultaneously, creating a distributed steam field that effectively prevents boiling water from reaching and ejecting through the steam spout port.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If heating portions are provided above and below water surface, then boiling water ejection is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of boiling water ejectionVSAvoidconfiguration of heating portions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water storage chamber serves multiple functions: it stores water, provides structural support for heating elements, acts as a heat transfer medium, and contains the steam generation process. The heating portions, while positioned at multiple locations, are integrated into the chamber structure and work collectively as a unified steam generation system, reducing overall device complexity despite the multi-position configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If fins increase heat transfer area, then temperature uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing of fins

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fins are merged with the heating portions to form an integrated heat transfer structure. The heating elements and fins work as a unified assembly, where the fins extend from the heating portions to increase surface area for heat transfer. This merging eliminates the need for separate fin components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining enhanced temperature uniformity through increased heat dissipation surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design effectively inhibits boiling water ejection, reduces large bubble generation, and minimizes noise, while also enhancing steam flow and temperature uniformity, leading to improved steam generation and reduced scale deposition.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating portion which heats water in the water storage chamber to generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the fins can transmit heat in a vicinity of the heating portion, with a high temperature in particular, to the inside of the water in the water storage chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the fins can increase a contact area between the water storage chamber and the water, thereby transmitting the heat from the heating portion to the water efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

heats water in the water storage chamber to generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2876367B1Vapor generation device and cooking device with vapor generation device

Publication Date: 2017.08.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

A steam generator comprises: a water storage chamber which stores water; at least one heating portion which heats water in the water storage chamber to generate steam; a water supply device which supplies water into the water storage chamber; and a plurality of fins provided in the water storage chamber, wherein the water storage chamber has a steam spout port from which the steam generated by the heating portion spouts, wherein the plurality of fins extend along a steam-generating direction under the steam spout port, being separated with each other and crossing the heating portion. The heating portion may be provided each of above and under a water surface which emerges in the water storage chamber during heating.