Steamer Divider Flap Geometry for Swirling Steam Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food steaming apparatuses do not effectively enhance the swirling action of steam to ensure uniform cooking and prevent food from blocking perforations, particularly when different types of food are being steamed.
Innovation Solution
A divider assembly with vertically oriented walls featuring multiple perforations and a deflector flap that extends along the lower edge, inclined at an angle to impart a circumferential component to the direction of rising gases, ensuring efficient steam flow and distribution across different food compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a divider with perforations is used to separate different types of food, then food blocking of perforations is prevented, but the swirling action of steam is not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The divider wall is segmented into multiple perforations, each equipped with its own deflector zone. This segmentation allows steam to be redirected through multiple pathways, enhancing the swirling action while maintaining reliable prevention of food blocking through the distributed perforation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector zones extend out of the plane of the perforated divider wall, adding a third dimension to the steam flow path. This dimensional change creates the necessary swirling action by redirecting steam in a circumferential direction, transforming linear steam flow into rotational flow patterns.
2Productivity
If deflector zones are added to enhance swirling action, then steam distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector zones are merged with the divider wall structure itself, forming an integral component rather than a separate attachment. This merging approach enhances steam distribution efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector zones serve multiple functions: they redirect steam to create swirling action, prevent food blocking by extending above the food support plane, and maintain structural integrity of the divider. This multi-functionality achieves improved steam distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the deflector zones extend upwards from the support, then food blocking is prevented, but the swirling action is not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector zones are configured with asymmetric geometry, extending further in the circumferential direction than vertically. This asymmetric design creates stronger swirling action by emphasizing horizontal redirection of steam, while the vertical extension sufficient to prevent food blocking is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector zones incorporate curved surfaces that guide steam flow in arcuate paths, enhancing the swirling action. The curved geometry is more effective at creating rotational flow than straight edges, intensifying the swirling effect while maintaining the necessary vertical extension for food blocking prevention.
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 enhanced swirling action and directional control of steam result in improved cooking efficiency and prevent food from obstructing perforations, allowing for uniform cooking of various food types without blocking the steam passages.
Implementation Method 1
rising gases that in use contact the deflector flap
Implementation Method 2
rising gases that in use contact the deflector flap follow the upwards incline
Implementation Method 3
rising steam created by the deflector zones
Implementation Method 4
the deflector zones are arcuate in cross-section and inclined to the plane of the perforated food support or divider wall so that they decrease in cross-sectional size from the aperture towards the wall of the food support or divider
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A divider [4] is provided for food steaming apparatus of the type generally including a tubular body [1] and at least one perforated food support [3]. The steaming apparatus may also include a cooperant pot [2] and lid [5]. The divider comprises a plurality of dividing walls [6] extending from a central region to a peripheral region and wherein a major part of the area of each wall is provided with multiple perforations [7] passing therethrough. At least one opening [9] extends along the lower edge region of each dividing wall with a generally flat deflector flap [10] that extends at an incline to the deflector wall having an operatively upper edge [11] joined to the top of the opening and an operatively lower edge [12] spaced circumferentially therefrom. In use, rising gases contact the deflector flap and follow the upwards incline thereof thereby acquiring a circumferential component to the direction of movement. The perforations preferably have apertures orientated in planes transverse to the dividing walls and deflector zones [8] for imparting circumferential movement to gases passing through the perforations in a complementary circumferential direction.