Steam Treatment Insert With Integrated Heater for Clean Steam Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam cooking systems in cooking appliances are energy-inefficient and require complex steam feeds, which can lead to corrosion and contamination within the cooking chamber.
Innovation Solution
A steam treatment insert with a built-in heater and liquid container within the cooking chamber generates steam directly, eliminating the need for external steam supply lines and allowing for adjustable size and easy cleaning, featuring a surface heating mechanism and sensors for controlled steam output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external heating elements in the cooking chamber are used to heat water in the liquid container, then steam is generated for cooking, but energy consumption is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the liquid container, merging the heating function with the steam generation function. This eliminates the need for separate external heating elements in the cooking chamber, reducing energy consumption by heating only the water in the container rather than heating the entire chamber air.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating is localized to the liquid container where water needs to be vaporized, rather than heating the entire cooking chamber. The heating element is positioned specifically within or on the liquid container to provide targeted heating where it is most efficient for steam generation.
2Reliability
If steam feeds and steam lines are used to supply steam to the cooking chamber, then steam cooking can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and prone to corrosion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation function is extracted from the main cooking chamber system and integrated into a separate, self-contained liquid container. This eliminates the need for steam lines and external steam feeds connecting to the cooking chamber, removing the sources of corrosion and contamination while simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid container with integrated heating element serves itself by generating steam internally without requiring external steam supply infrastructure. The container is a self-contained steam generator that does not need connection to external steam lines, reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a large-volume steam treatment insert is used to fill the cooking chamber with steam, then steam cooking coverage is improved, but the insert is difficult to clean and not dishwasher-safe
Solution Approach 1:
The steam treatment system is segmented into a compact, modular liquid container that can be easily removed and cleaned. Rather than a large fixed insert, the system uses a smaller, separable container that fits within the cooking chamber, making it accessible for cleaning and dishwasher-safe while still providing adequate steam generation for cooking.
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 solution provides an energy-efficient, fast, and compact steaming system that reduces corrosion risk, is easy to clean, and allows for precise control of steam generation, enhancing the overall cooking performance.
Implementation Method 1
the heater is a liquid container heater for vaporizing liquid contained in the liquid container
Implementation Method 2
a heater, an electrical connection connected to the heater
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The steamer insert (3) has a heater (19) that is connected to an electrical connection (20) and an open liquid container (17). The heater is adapted to heat the liquid container. Liquid from the liquid reservoir (18) is flowed into liquid container having a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (23). The steamer insert is provided with a lid (13) made of plastic or glass.