Steam Pipe Connection Structure for Leak-Resistant Steam Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating cooking apparatuses, such as electronic ranges and gas ovens, limit food types and deteriorate taste due to dry cooking, while steam cooking apparatuses face challenges in efficient steam transfer and leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
A steam cooking apparatus with an improved steam pipe assembly featuring a steam pipe connection tube with expanded diameters and protrusions for secure coupling, preventing steam leakage and ensuring efficient steam transfer between the steam generating unit, steam container, and cover casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steam pipe connection structure is used, then the assembly is simpler, but the coupling between steam pipe and connection tube is difficult and steam leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The steam pipe connection tube is divided into multiple sections with different diameter portions (first diameter portion, second diameter portion, third diameter portion) to create a stepped structure. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function: the larger second diameter portion provides a sealing surface, while the smaller first and third portions facilitate insertion and connection. This resolves the contradiction by creating a reliable multi-section structure that prevents leakage without requiring overly complex external components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connection tube are given different local qualities through varying diameters. The second diameter portion has a larger diameter to provide an expanded sealing surface that contacts the steam pipe, ensuring leakage prevention. The first and third portions have smaller diameters to facilitate insertion and connection. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows the single connection tube structure to simultaneously achieve reliable sealing and easy coupling.
2Manufacturing precision
If a conventional steam pipe connection structure is used, then the structure is simpler, but the centers of connection tube and cover casing do not match
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tube employs an asymmetric stepped diameter structure rather than a uniform cylindrical shape. The different diameter portions create an asymmetric profile that guides alignment during assembly. The expanded second diameter portion acts as a locating feature that ensures the connection tube aligns with the cover casing center, while the asymmetric shape itself provides visual and tactile guidance for proper positioning during manufacturing.
3Productivity
If steam is used as heat transfer medium, then cooking time is shortened and efficiency is improved, but steam leakage deteriorates cooking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tube design incorporates a pre-formed expanded second diameter portion that creates a sealing surface before steam pressure builds up. This geometric feature is built into the structure beforehand to ensure that when steam flows through the connection, it immediately encounters a properly configured sealing surface that prevents leakage, thus cushioning against potential steam loss before it occurs.
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 improved steam pipe assembly enhances coupling efficiency, prevents steam leakage, and maintains food moisture, thereby preserving taste and reducing cooking time.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit to generate steam from a supply of water
Implementation Method 2
heat water and generate the steam
Implementation Method 3
steam filled within a cooking chamber acts as an effective heat transfer medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A steam cooking apparatus includes a steam generating unit to generate steam from a supply of water, a steam container to cook food using the steam from the steam generating unit, a steam supply pipe coupled to the steam generating unit in order to supply the steam container with the steam generated by the steam generating unit, a steam pipe coupled to the steam container in order to supply the steam container with the steam passing through the steam supply pipe, and a steam pipe connection tube including a first connection portion coupled with the steam supply pipe and a second connection portion coupled with the steam pipe, the second connection portion coupled with the steam pipe being formed to have a diameter which is expanded toward the steam pipe so as to guide the steam pipe.