Steam Pipe Connection Structure for Leak-Safe Steam Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating cooking apparatuses, such as electronic ranges and gas ovens, have limitations in food types that can be cooked and often result in dried food with compromised taste, while steam cooking apparatuses are more efficient but face challenges in steam leakage and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A steam cooking apparatus with an improved steam pipe assembly design that includes a steam pipe connection tube with expanded diameters and protrusions for secure coupling, preventing steam leakage and ensuring proper alignment with a cover casing for efficient steam transfer and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steam pipe connection structure is used, then the assembly process is simple, but steam leakage occurs and coupling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The steam pipe connection structure is divided into multiple components: a connection tube with an expanded second connection portion, a steam pipe with coupling portions and protrusions, and a cover casing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the expanded portion guides alignment, the protrusions ensure proper positioning, and the modular design facilitates easy assembly while maintaining steam-tight connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connection tube acts as an intermediary component between the steam supply pipe and the steam pipe. Its expanded second connection portion serves as a guiding structure that mediates the alignment process, making coupling easier while the integrated design prevents steam leakage at the connection interface
2Manufacturing precision
If the steam pipe connection tube and cover casing are not properly aligned, then assembly is faster, but the centers do not match causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The expanded second connection portion of the connection tube is designed in advance to serve as a alignment guide. This preliminary structural feature ensures that when the cover casing is assembled, the centers of the connection tube and cover casing automatically match, achieving precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The expanded second connection portion features a curved or flared geometry that naturally guides the steam pipe into proper alignment. This curved structure provides a tolerance zone that accommodates minor misalignments while ensuring the centers match, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining manufacturing precision
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 effectively prevents steam leakage and facilitates easy coupling, reducing cooking time and maintaining food moisture, thus enhancing cooking efficiency and preserving food taste.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit (60) to generate steam from a supply of water
Implementation Method 2
steam filled within a cooking chamber acts as an effective heat transfer medium
Data Source
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.