Method and apparatus for automated griddle and platen control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional griddles require manual operator intervention for setting timers and controlling the upper platen position, leading to increased workload and potential for errors.
Innovation Solution
An accelerometer-mounted upper platen system that automatically determines its position relative to the cooking surface using inclination angle calculations, enabling automated timer control and operation initiation based on the platen's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator control is used for setting timers and controlling upper platen position, then the operator has direct control over the cooking process, but the operator workload increases and opportunities for operator error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation by using the accelerometer sensor to automatically detect upper platen position and trigger timer operations without requiring manual operator intervention. The cooking process controls itself based on sensor data, reducing operator workload while maintaining or improving cooking accuracy through consistent automated execution of cooking protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of operator control with an automated sensor-based system. The accelerometer sensor detects platen position and the control system automatically sets timers and operates the cooking process, substituting human manual operations with an automated electromechanical system that reduces errors and workload.
2Extent of automation
If automated position detection is implemented using an accelerometer, then operator workload is reduced and cooking process automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer serves as an intermediary device that bridges the physical state of the upper platen and the control system. It converts physical position information into electrical signals that the processor can interpret, enabling automated control without requiring complex direct sensing mechanisms. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall automation architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in acceleration parameters detected by the accelerometer to determine upper platen position. By tracking parameter changes (acceleration values) rather than requiring complex position measurement systems, the patent achieves effective automation with relatively simple sensor technology and processing requirements.
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
Reduces operator workload and minimizes errors by automatically adjusting timers and operations based on the platen's position, enhancing cooking process efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer mounted to the upper platen and configured to provide output signals to the at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the plurality of instructions to determine whether the upper platen is in the raised position or the lowered position by calculating an inclination angle of the upper platen relative to the cooking surface using the output signals from the accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining whether a position of an upper platen of a griddle is disclosed as comprising: a processor; and an accelerometer mounted to the upper platen and configured to provide output signals to the processor. The processor is configured to determine whether the position of the upper platen by calculating an inclination angle of the upper platen relative to a cooking surface of the griddle using the output signals from the accelerometer, determining that the upper platen is in a raised position if the inclination angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and determining that the upper platen is in a lowered position if the inclination angle is less than the predetermined threshold.