Steamer Attachment Handle Shield Design to Reduce Steam Burn Risk
Solution Overview
Problem
Current steamer attachments for food processors do not adequately simplify or ensure safety during steam cooking, as they lack effective protection against hot steam, requiring users to use additional protective measures like gloves or potholders.
Innovation Solution
A steamer attachment comprising a steamer bowl, an intermediate tray with handles and handle shields, and a lid with handle plates, allowing for safe handling and steam penetration, which can be stacked and used with or without an intermediate tray, featuring steam inlets and perforated bases for efficient steam distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users handle the intermediate shell during steam cooking, then handling and repositioning is enabled, but risk of burns from hot steam increases
Solution Approach 1:
A steam-deflecting shell is introduced as an intermediary element between the hot steam environment and the user's hand. This shell extends beyond the intermediate shell and is designed to deflect steam away from the handling area, allowing users to safely grip and reposition the intermediate shell without direct exposure to harmful steam
Solution Approach 2:
The steam-deflecting shell provides preliminary protection by preemptively blocking and redirecting steam flow before it can reach the user's hand. The shell's extended structure creates a protective barrier that anticipates and prevents the harmful effect of steam contact during handling operations
2Volume of moving object
If the steamer attachment uses a compact stacked design, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility of handles may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steam-deflecting shell is designed as a movable or adjustable element that can be positioned to provide steam protection while maintaining handle accessibility. The dynamic configuration allows the shell to adapt between protecting the handles during storage/transport and not interfering with handle access during operation
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 solution enhances safety by reducing the risk of burns from hot steam and simplifies handling, eliminating the need for protective gear, while maintaining efficient steam cooking and a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the steam generated in the vessel when they are used can enter the steamer bowl or (directly or through the steamer bowl) into the intermediate bowl
Implementation Method 2
Food placed in the container can then be cooked in the rising steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steamer attachment 100 according to the invention comprises a steamer bowl 30 for placing on a vessel 40, an intermediate tray 20 for placing on the steamer bowl 30, and a lid 10 for placing on the intermediate tray 20. At least one intermediate tray handle 21a, 21b is arranged on the intermediate tray 20, as well as at least one intermediate tray handle shield 22a, 22b, which is configured to shield the at least one intermediate tray handle 21a, 21b downwards in a steaming orientation of the intermediate tray 20 intended for steaming. A vessel-steamer attachment combination 1 according to the invention comprises such a steamer attachment 100 and a vessel 40 onto which the steamer attachment is placed. A food processor with a base station and a vessel-steamer attachment combination 1 according to the invention is also disclosed.