Steam Oven Water-Level Sensing Module for Efficient Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cooking apparatuses with steam supply devices lack accurate water level detection, leading to inefficient steam generation and cooking, resulting in issues like food drying and loss of flavor.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a water-level sensing module with low-water-level and high-water-level sensors to control a water supply pump and drain pump, ensuring optimal water levels for steam generation and notifying users of water tank states through a display panel or alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If no water level detection method is used, then the device structure remains simple, but steam generation efficiency deteriorates and food quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical water level detection mechanisms with a simpler sensor-based detection system. The low-water-level sensor and high-water-level sensor detect water levels through electrical or optical signals rather than mechanical float mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while improving steam generation efficiency through accurate water level monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam supply device automatically monitors and regulates water levels through the sensing module and control system, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-adjusts water supply based on detected levels, ensuring continuous efficient steam generation without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If accurate water level detection is implemented, then steam supply reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the water-level sensing module continuously monitors water levels and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop automatically triggers water supply or drainage operations to maintain optimal water levels, significantly improving steam supply reliability through precise monitoring and automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the water-level sensing module and the water supply/drainage pumps. It processes sensor signals and coordinates pump operations, enabling reliable steam supply through intelligent control while keeping the overall system structure manageable through modular design.
3Ease of operation
If manual water level monitoring is used, then the device structure remains simple, but cooking quality deteriorates due to insufficient steam
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic water level monitoring and adjustment without requiring user intervention. The low-water-level sensor and high-water-level sensor continuously track water levels, and the control system automatically manages water supply and drainage, ensuring consistent steam generation and high cooking quality while maintaining simple operation for the user.
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
Enhances steam generation and cooking efficiency by accurately detecting water levels and controlling water supply, improving user satisfaction and reliability by preventing steam generation issues.
Implementation Method 1
a water-level sensing module configured to detect a water level of an inside of the steam supply portion using a low-water-level sensor and a high-water-level sensor
Implementation Method 2
a water supply pump configured to supply water from a water tank to the steam supply portion
Implementation Method 3
a drain pump configured to recover condensed water from the steam supply portion to the water tank
Implementation Method 4
a steam heater configured to generate steam by heating the water in the water storage portion
Implementation Method 5
the water introduced into the water storage portion is heated by the steam heater to generate the steam
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic cooking apparatus having a steam supply device for supplying steam to a cooking chamber of an oven or the like. An electronic cooking apparatus according to the present invention comprises a steam generating device comprising a steam supply portion for generating steam and supplying same to a cooking chamber, and a water-level sensing module for sensing the level of water inside the steam supply portion by using a low-water-level sensor and a high-water-level sensor. In addition, the electronic cooking apparatus comprises: a water supply pump for supplying water from a water tank to the steam supply portion; a drain pump for collecting condensed water from the steam supply portion to the water tank; and a control unit for controlling on/off operations of the water supply pump or the drain pump according to a change in the level of water in the steam supply portion sensed through the water-level sensing module. Accordingly, the present invention can maximize the steam generating efficiency and the cooking efficiency through the improved water-level sensing function.