Steam Generator Pump Timing for Leak-Safe Cooking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking apparatuses that use steam for food preparation face challenges in efficiently generating steam and preventing water leakage during the cooking process, particularly in controlling the steam generation amount and managing the operation of water supply and drain pumps.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a cooking apparatus that includes a water supply pump, a drain pump, and a steam generator, where the operation of the water supply pump is controlled to supply water to the steam generator, and the drain pump is operated to discharge water when the water level reaches a predetermined position, with additional periods for water supply and discharge to optimize steam generation and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the water supply pump operates continuously to supply water to the steam generator, then the steam generation amount increases, but water leakage occurs in the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply pump operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the pump to supply water to the steam generator, then stops it after a predetermined time period. This periodic operation prevents water leakage while maintaining sufficient steam generation for cooking operations.
2Productivity
If the steam generator output is increased to enhance steam generation efficiency, then more steam is produced, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Water is supplied to the steam generator in advance during predetermined time periods before steam generation is needed. This preliminary water supply allows the steam generator to operate at optimal capacity without requiring increased output capability, thereby maintaining simple device design while achieving efficient steam generation.
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 control method enhances steam generation efficiency without increasing the steam generator's output and effectively prevents water leakage by managing the operation of the pumps based on water level sensors, ensuring reliable and efficient cooking performance.
Implementation Method 1
a water supply pump installed above an upper side of the storage container to supply the water from the storage container to the steam generator
Implementation Method 2
a drain pump installed above the upper side of the storage container to discharge the water from the steam generator to the storage container
Implementation Method 3
a steam generator for generating steam by heating the water delivered from the water storage unit
Implementation Method 4
a steam generator for generating steam by heating the water delivered from the water storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a cooking apparatus. The control method of the cooking apparatus includes controlling an operation of the water supply pump to supply water to the steam generator, controlling an operation of the water supply pump for a period of time to additionally supply water to the steam generator when a level of water supplied to the steam generator reaches a position. The method includes controlling an operation of a drain pump to discharge the water from the steam generator when the period of time expires, and respectively controlling an operation of a steam heater installed in the steam generator and a bottom heater installed on a bottom surface of the cooking apparatus, when the level of the water in the steam generator reaches the position at which the water is discharged from the steam generator.