Triangle

A 3-in-1 product which incorporates a sous vide cooker, food vacuum sealer, and steam cooker.

 

PDM exhibtion photo - Guy Hutchings _cropped

Hi, I'm Guy. I am a design engineer that loves creating innovative designs and enjoy being challenged with new project and problems. I am keen to take further the skill set I gained at university into the design world after university. Doing PDM has enhanced my passion for design, especially being around people with the same energetic enthusiasm for the course. I have thoroughly enjoyed rendering my designs on Keyshot and finalising the product. It brings the product to life and shows that all the initial design work and research pays off. Mechanisms and internals have been a passion in the final project, and understanding whether the product would work. In the future I would like to be involved in more internals as well as overall design.

I have been a keen member of the Formula Student team and a key figure in the bodywork team. In addition, my skills in Solidworks (CAD) I developed from PDM made me a key member as my surface skills are advanced. When not designing, I do a lot of water sports being a port of the wakeboarding and surf society. Additional play rugby as well for Mech Soc which I have enjoyed thoroughly

Guy Hutchings, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

 
 
 

 

 

Souschef

SOUSCHEF is a product that incorporates:

  • A sous vide cooker
  • food vacuum sealer
  • steam cooker


What is sous vide cooking?

Sous vide cooking is a method that involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a precisely controlled water bath. The food is seasoned, sealed in a bag, and submerged in the water, which is maintained at a constant temperature. This gentle cooking process ensures even and consistent results. The food retains its moisture, tenderness, and flavours due to the airtight environment. After reaching the desired internal temperature, the food can be finished with high-heat techniques for added colour and texture. Professionals and enthusiasts favour Sous vide cooking for its reliability and ability to deliver consistently delicious dishes.

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Exiting products and solving the problem

A unique and original idea I wanted to create a cooking product that is suitable for the kitchen and incorporate all these products into one unit instead of the user having to use them separately. Available products were found to be an eyesore in the kitchen and made to be stored away and not left on the counter like SOUSCHEF. Many of them take inspiration from professional kitchens, so they are not styled to be a statement on the countertop like a coffee machine. The size of the sous vide cookers were also too big, so I ensured SOUSCHEF was large enough for the home cook and their family.

Having the 3 in 1 product means more counter space is clear and encourages the user to use SOUSCHEF more as it is meant to be left out. The aesthetic was vital, and with a neutral colour scheme and simplistic design, SOUSCHEF is suitable for the home cook and their kitchen.

Steamer

The steam cooker uses the exhausted steam from the sous vide water bath. As the steam rises, it enters a chamber where food can be steamed. This original idea allows for once again one less product in the kitchen but also adds to the healthy cooking aspect. In addition, sous vide cooking uses no transfats, which is ideal for a healthy diet.

Consumer Interaction

Consumer interaction was a big part of the function. The user is presented with a large chrome handle that opens the water bath when raised. The mechanism is a simple rack and pinion that uses a rubber belt. The gear ratios had to be calculated so that when the handle is raised to a certain point the bath open all the way. This gives a sense of satisfaction to the user instead of a primary drawer-style mechanism.

Interface and smartphone app

The interface is simplistic and easy to use, with clear graphics and instructions. An accompanying app was also developed so the user does not have to be at the cooker when operating. Since the water has to be preheated, the user can be on the way home and preheat the cooker from their smartphone so it is ready to use when home. The app also gives updates so the user receives a notification when the cooking process is done.

 

Design work

 

 

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