Steam Outlet Passage for Even Steaming and Leak-Free Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined steamer and blender appliances for baby food production often suffer from poor and uneven steaming performance due to steam exit issues, such as condensation and lack of proper steam outlets, leading to inefficiencies and leakage when switching between steaming and blending modes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a steam outlet passage with strategically positioned ports and labyrinthine design to ensure even steam distribution and prevent leakage, with a central top surface exit to maintain effective steaming and prevent fluid leakage during blending, utilizing a dual-part steam outlet passage formed by the container wall and blade assembly for improved cleanability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If steam exits through apertures in the walls of the steaming chamber, then the chamber is compact, but steaming performance becomes poor and uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet is segmented into multiple ports distributed around the chamber rather than a single aperture, enabling uniform steam distribution while maintaining compact chamber dimensions. The plurality of ports divides the steam exit function across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the steaming chamber are provided with steam outlets at optimally spaced intervals, ensuring that steam is distributed evenly to all areas of the chamber. This local distribution approach improves steaming uniformity compared to centralized aperture designs.
2Loss of substance
If steam is condensed and collected without a steam outlet, then condensation is captured, but steam escape is prevented causing poor steaming
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet passage extracts excess steam from the steaming chamber and directs it away, preventing condensation buildup while maintaining proper steam levels for effective steaming. This extraction mechanism balances condensation control with steam escape requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam outlet passage acts as an intermediary component between the steaming chamber and the external environment, mediating steam flow by allowing controlled escape while preventing uncontrolled condensation. This intermediate structure resolves the conflict between steam retention and steam escape.
3Device complexity
If a single appliance combines steaming and blending functions, then device count is reduced, but leakage occurs when switching modes
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to serve dual functions as both a steaming chamber and a blending bowl. The universal design allows the same component to perform multiple operations, reducing the need for separate appliances while maintaining functional integrity through the steam outlet passage that prevents leakage during mode transitions.
4Reliability
If steam outlet ports are strategically positioned, then steam distribution is even, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet is divided into multiple ports positioned at different locations around the chamber, achieving uniform steam distribution through segmented exit points. This segmentation approach improves performance without requiring complex individual port structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam outlet passage merges multiple ports into a single integrated structural component formed between the container and blade assembly. This merging simplifies the overall device complexity by combining what could be separate components into one unified structure.
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 design enhances steaming performance by ensuring even steam distribution and prevents cooking fluid leakage during the blending mode, while maintaining efficient steam exit and easy cleanability, resulting in a more effective and user-friendly single-appliance solution for producing baby food.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (5) in communication with the chamber (3) to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
steam can enter the apparatus (1) from a base unit (9) having a steam generator (5)
Implementation Method 3
A steam outlet passage (36) is provided in the container (2) with a plurality of steam outlet ports (24) positioned around the chamber (3)
Implementation Method 4
A blade assembly (16) is provided in the container (2) directly driven by a rotating driving member (7)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for steaming and blending food products comprises a container (2) for receiving the food products, the container having a steam inlet (12) and a steam outlet passage (36). A blade assembly (16) is located in the container for blending the food products. The blade assembly (16) comprising a blade support member (18,22) having at least one blade (20) extending there from. The blade support member is located over an opening (14) in the container. The steam outlet passage (36) extends between the container and the blade support member such that steam can exit the container through the opening (14).