Heat Superconducting Container with Composite Metal Layers for Electric Cooking

The problem

Standard electric cooking vessels often rely on direct contact between a heating element and the bottom of the pot. This can create localized hot spots, causing food to stick or burn before the rest of the contents reach temperature. Additionally, traditional multi-layer clad pots require complex bonding processes that may fail under high thermal stress, or they simply lack the mechanism to distribute heat laterally through the side walls efficiently. There is a need for a container structure that ensures uniform temperature distribution without requiring external fans or complex electronic controls.

The solution

The patent describes a heat superconducting container made by deep drawing. It consists of a container body with at least two metal layers: a first metal layer (inner) and a second metal layer (outer). These layers are constructed into an inseparable composite structure via hot-press compounding. However, a specific forming path is protected by a temperature-resistant insulating layer, preventing the two metals from fusing completely along this path. This leaves a hollow heat transfer vessel between the layers. This vessel is filled with a heat superconducting medium (such as a refrigerant), which allows heat to conduct rapidly across the container body, achieving bulk heating.

Who it is for

• Small appliance manufacturers looking to differentiate electric kettles, rice cookers, or soup makers with better thermal performance.
• Kitchenware brands seeking premium pot designs that claim faster boiling or more even simmering capabilities.
• OEM/ODM suppliers needing structural patents for new product lines in the home appliance sector.
• Product designers interested in passive heat distribution technologies that do not require additional electronics.

How it works

The main parts

Note: Specific reference numbers for sub-components like handles or rims are described in claims but detailed numbering varies by figure; refer to patent drawings for exact placement.

Operating steps

1. Fabrication: Two metal sheets are stacked. A temperature-resistant insulating material is placed along the desired path of the heat channel.
2. Compounding: The sheets undergo hot-press compounding. The areas without insulation fuse into an inseparable composite; the insulated area remains separate, creating the void.
3. Filling: A blowing inlet is used to inject a high-pressure gas or liquid (the heat superconducting medium) into the vessel. The vessel may be evacuated to a vacuum state before filling.
4. Sealing: The inlet is closed (e.g., welded or capped), trapping the medium inside.
5. Usage: When the outer layer is heated, the medium vaporizes or moves, transferring thermal energy to the inner layer across the entire surface area defined by the helical or grid-like vessel pattern.

Applications

Electric Rice Cookers

Rice requires consistent temperature to cook evenly without burning the bottom crust. The superconducting vessel spreads heat from the bottom heater up the sides, reducing the risk of localized overheating and improving grain texture.

Soup Makers and Slow Cookers

Long-duration cooking benefits from stable, gentle heat. The passive heat transfer system maintains a uniform temperature throughout the broth, preventing stratification where the top remains cooler than the bottom.

Electric Kettles

Boiling water efficiently requires maximizing surface area contact with heat. The dual-layer design with internal circulation helps transfer energy quickly to the water volume, potentially reducing boil times compared to single-wall stainless steel.

Premium Sauce Pans

For delicate sauces that scorch easily, even heating is critical. Brands can market these pans as having “superconducting” properties that eliminate hot spots, appealing to chefs who need precise control over low-heat reductions.

Where it is less suitable

• Induction Cooktops: Induction relies on magnetic coupling directly with the base metal. The added complexity of the outer layer and potential material choices (non-magnetic alloys for the outer shell) might interfere with induction compatibility unless specifically designed for it.
• Extreme High-Temperature Industrial Use: The refrigerant medium has a specific operating range; exceeding this could damage the vessel integrity or reduce efficiency.
• Low-Cost Disposable Ware: The manufacturing process involves precision hot-pressing and sealing, making it unsuitable for cheap, single-use containers.