Vaporiser device for water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing evaporator devices for steam cookers are inefficient in heating water, as they require heating the entire volume of the water tank to produce steam, and lack a simple and practical design for optimal operation.

Innovation Solution

An evaporator device with a water container having an outer wall and an inner partition wall, where the inner area is larger than the outer area, allowing water to flow through channels from the inner area to the outer area, enabling efficient steam generation with automatic refilling and separate steam and water management, utilizing a thick-film heating device and steam guide for effective heat distribution and separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the entire volume of water in the water tank is heated, then sufficient steam can be generated, but the heating time and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation quantityVSAvoidheating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The water tank is divided into two separate spaces by an inner partition: a first space containing a small volume of water that is directly heated by the heating element, and a second space containing the remaining water. This segmentation allows the system to heat only a portion of the water directly while the other portion is heated indirectly through heat transfer, thereby reducing heating time and energy consumption while still generating sufficient steam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the entire volume of water in the water tank is heated, then sufficient steam can be generated, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation quantityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The water tank is divided into two separate spaces by an inner partition: a first space containing a small volume of water that is directly heated by the heating element, and a second space containing the remaining water. This segmentation allows the system to heat only a portion of the water directly while the other portion is heated indirectly through heat transfer, thereby reducing heating time and energy consumption while still generating sufficient steam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If a complex water level control system is implemented, then precise water level monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater level monitoring precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the natural physical behavior of water flow and steam generation to automatically maintain appropriate water levels. The first space contains enough water to sustain steam generation without requiring active monitoring or control mechanisms. Water refilling occurs automatically through the refill connection when the water level drops, eliminating the need for complex sensors, controllers, and monitoring systems while ensuring sufficient water is always available for steam production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the inner partition is closely connected to the outer wall, then structural stability is improved, but the volume for steam generation and water circulation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsteam generation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inner partition is positioned to define a first space with a specific volume that is sufficient for steam generation, rather than extending it to closely contact the outer wall. The partition provides structural support while leaving adequate volume in the first space for water circulation and steam generation. The annular support structure provides additional stability without compromising the functional volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 design reduces the volume of water that needs to be heated, allowing for efficient steam generation with automatic refilling and effective heat distribution, enhancing the operational efficiency and simplicity of the evaporator device and steam cooker.

Implementation Method 1

A heating device 17 is provided on the outside of the outer wall 15. In this outer area, water is heated and evaporated by the heating device to generate steam.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

At least one passage channel 27 is provided in the inner partition 25 for a water flow between the inner and outer areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The water flow from the inner area to the outer area is driven by the water level difference and pressure gradient between the two areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

Heat is transferred from the heated water in the outer area to the water in the inner area through the partition wall by thermal conduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3225139B1Vaporiser device for water
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3225139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225139B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An evaporator device for water for a steam cooker has a water container with an outer wall on which a heating device is provided on the outside. An internal partition is provided in the water tank, spaced from the outer wall, and defining an interior area in the water tank. An outer area is formed between the inner partition wall and the outer wall. The water tank is closed except for a water inlet into the interior and a steam outlet from the exterior, wherein it has at least one passage channel for water to flow between the interior and the exterior. The inner partition and the outer wall can be configured concentrically to one another in the manner of standing tube sections.