Steam Oven Heating Modes for Superheated Steam and Dry Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cooking apparatuses are limited in their ability to switch between using superheated steam and conventional hot air or heat radiation, restricting their versatility in cooking methods.
Innovation Solution
A steam cooking apparatus with a heating chamber, steam generating device, vapor heating heater, and control device that allows for the use of both superheated steam and hot air or radiation heat, enabling flexible cooking sequences and modes to accommodate different cooking needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a steam cooking apparatus uses only superheated steam for cooking, then cooking speed and moisture retention are improved, but versatility in cooking methods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate superheated steam for steam cooking, produce hot air for convection cooking, and provide radiant heat for grilling/broiling. This multi-functionality allows a single apparatus to handle diverse cooking methods while maintaining high cooking speeds through rapid heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically switches between different heating modes (steam mode, hot air mode, radiant heat mode) based on the selected cooking program. The control device adjusts the operational state of the heating device in real-time, enabling transition from steam generation to hot air circulation or radiant heating, thus providing versatility without sacrificing cooking efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a steam cooking apparatus uses only hot air or radiation heat, then cooking versatility is improved, but cooking speed and moisture retention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The same heating device that can produce hot air and radiant heat also possesses steam generation capability. By integrating steam generation function into the heating device, the apparatus can switch to superheated steam mode for recipes requiring fast cooking and moisture retention, while maintaining hot air and radiant heat capabilities for other cooking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables dynamic switching between heating modes, allowing the apparatus to optimize cooking speed by using superheated steam when needed, while still providing hot air and radiant heat options for versatility. The system adapts the heating method based on the cooking program selected.
3Ease of operation
If a steam cooking apparatus provides fixed cooking sequences, then ease of operation is improved, but user customization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides dynamic programming capabilities that allow users to customize cooking sequences by selecting from multiple heating modes (superheated steam, hot air, radiant heat). Users can create personalized cooking programs by combining different heating methods in various sequences, while the system maintains pre-set programs for convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking sequence is segmented into multiple stages, where each stage can utilize different heating modes. Users can customize each stage independently, selecting from available heating methods (steam, hot air, radiant heat) and adjusting parameters for each segment, thereby achieving high customization while maintaining operational simplicity through structured programming.
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
Enables quick temperature rise with superheated steam and prevents extra moisture addition, allowing for various cooking techniques such as baking and grilling, while user-adjustable settings ensure personalized cooking results.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor heating heater (41) that heats the steam generated with the steam generating device (50)
Implementation Method 2
a second heating mode that uses hot air or radiation heat obtained by making the vapor heating heater produce heat without supply of steam
Data Source
AI summary
Midway along an outer circulation passage provided outside a heating chamber, a steam generating device is arranged, and, through the outer circulation passage, steam is fed to the heating chamber. A control device controls a steam generating heater arranged inside the steam generating device and a vapor heating heater provided in a space through which an air stream flowing through the outer circulation passage is returned to the heating chamber, and forms a cooking sequence by using, singly or in combination, a first heating mode that uses superheated steam obtained as a result of the steam being heated with the vapor heating heater and a second heating mode that uses hot air or radiation heat obtained by making the vapor heating heater produce heat without supply of steam.