Steamer Accessory with Automatic Steam Flow Control via Vent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam cooker accessories require manual adjustment of steam flow, leading to inefficient steam production and excessive steam release, and lack adaptability to different container sizes and food quantities.
Innovation Solution
A steam cooker accessory with a steam generator featuring a steam production chamber connected to a lower distribution outlet, equipped with a steam detector and a control device that adjusts heating power based on steam escape, allowing for automatic adaptation of steam flow according to container size and food quantity, while minimizing external steam release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of steam flow is used, then device complexity is reduced, but steam production efficiency deteriorates and excessive steam is released
Solution Approach 1:
The steam cooker accessory automatically detects steam flow rate and adjusts heating power without user intervention. The control device monitors steam escape through the vent and self-regulates the heating element to optimize steam production efficiency while preventing excessive steam release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors steam flow rate through the vent and adjusts heating power accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes steam production by matching heating input to actual steam demand, improving efficiency while reducing waste.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of steam flow is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different container sizes and food quantities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steam cooker accessory automatically adapts to different container sizes and food quantities by detecting steam flow rate and self-regulating heating power. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment mechanisms while providing versatile adaptation to various cooking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the heating power parameter based on detected steam flow rate, which varies with container size and food quantity. This automatic parameter adjustment enables the device to adapt to different cooking scenarios without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If heating power is not controlled, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically manages heating power without requiring user intervention, maintaining ease of operation while optimizing energy consumption. The system self-regulates by monitoring steam flow and adjusting heating input to match actual steam demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors steam escape through the vent and uses this information to automatically adjust heating power. This closed-loop control reduces energy consumption by preventing excessive heating while maintaining simple operation for the user.
4Ease of operation
If heating power is not controlled, then ease of operation is improved, but steam release outside the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically prevents excessive steam release by monitoring steam flow rate and self-regulating heating power, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the harmful effect of steam escaping outside the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism detects when steam begins to escape through the vent and automatically reduces heating power to prevent excessive steam release. This maintains simple user interaction while eliminating the harmful effect of steam loss to the external environment.
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 solution ensures efficient steam production, reduces energy consumption, and allows for longer cooking times with less water, while maintaining effective steam distribution and minimizing external steam loss.
Implementation Method 1
a steam production chamber (20) provided with a heating device (50)
Implementation Method 2
a control device (28) comprising a steam detector (29) arranged to detect a flow of steam escaping through a vent (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
- The invention concerns a steamer accessory (4) for steam-heating and/or steam-cooking food in a container (2) and comprising a steam generator (5) comprising a steam production chamber (20) connected to at least one steam distribution outlet (15) provided in a lower part (10), the steam production chamber (20) comprising a heating device (50). - According to the invention, the heating device (50) is controlled by a control device (28) comprising a steam detector (29) arranged to detect a flow of steam escaping through a vent (18) that brings the lower part (10) into communication with an outer part (11). - The invention also concerns an electric steamer comprising a container (2) for housing the food to be heated and/or cooked, and a cover (3) comprising a steamer accessory (4) according to the aforementioned features.