Cooking device and components thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking systems lack efficient temperature control and air circulation mechanisms, which can lead to inconsistent cooking results and increased energy consumption, particularly in achieving the Maillard reaction and smoke point temperatures for various food types.
Innovation Solution
A countertop air grilling system with a housing containing a heating element and a temperature sensor, where the temperature sensor is remotely located to monitor the support body's temperature and adjust the heating element's operation, and an air movement device circulates heated air through a diffuser structure on the grill plate to enhance cooking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is positioned close to the heating element for accurate temperature monitoring, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is exposed to excessive heat and smoke near the smoke point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the support body (grill plate) as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure the temperature of food-contact surfaces. The temperature sensor monitors the support body's temperature rather than directly measuring air temperature near the heating element, providing accurate cooking surface temperature data without exposing the sensor to harmful heat and smoke conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates temperature measurement functions into multiple locations: one sensor monitors the support body temperature (indirect measurement), while another sensor monitors air temperature (direct measurement). This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal environment while providing comprehensive temperature data for precise cooking control.
2Productivity
If the heating element operates at high power to quickly reach Maillard reaction temperature, then cooking speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and temperature control consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic heating cycles with variable power levels. The heating element operates at high power during initial heating phases to quickly reach target temperatures, then switches to lower power levels for maintenance heating. The system periodically adjusts power based on real-time temperature feedback from sensors, optimizing the balance between cooking speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating power based on real-time temperature measurements and cooking stage. The controller modifies heating element power output throughout the cooking process, using higher power when temperature is low and reducing power as target temperature is approached, thereby achieving fast heating while minimizing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the heating element operates at high power to achieve smoke point temperature for certain cooking modes, then cooking effectiveness is improved, but the risk of overheating and generating harmful smoke increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time temperature feedback from sensors positioned to monitor both air temperature and support body temperature. The controller continuously receives temperature data and adjusts heating element power accordingly, reducing power when temperatures approach smoke points. This feedback mechanism ensures cooking effectiveness is maintained while preventing harmful smoke generation through automated temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system proactively reduces heating power before temperatures reach harmful smoke points. By monitoring temperature trends and predicting approaching smoke points, the system preemptively adjusts power levels to prevent harmful smoke generation while still achieving the necessary cooking temperatures for effective cooking.
4Stability of the object's composition
If air circulation is increased to enhance heat distribution and cooking uniformity, then cooking consistency is improved, but energy loss through convection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system operates dynamically with variable speed based on cooking stage and requirements. The fan motor adjusts its rotation speed to provide strong air circulation during initial heating phases to ensure uniform temperature distribution, then reduces speed during maintenance phases. The controller modulates fan power according to real-time temperature measurements, optimizing the balance between cooking consistency and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation operates in periodic cycles with different intensity levels. During certain phases of the cooking cycle, the fan runs at high speed to enhance heat distribution and cooking uniformity. During other phases, the fan speed is reduced or temporarily stopped when temperature uniformity is already achieved, thereby minimizing convective energy losses while maintaining cooking consistency.
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 system ensures consistent temperature control, facilitating the Maillard reaction and preventing smoke point overheating, while optimizing energy use through precise temperature monitoring and air circulation, thereby improving cooking outcomes and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned to heat the hollow interior and the support body
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is located remotely from the heating element and is operable to monitor a temperature of the support body
Implementation Method 3
the temperature sensor includes a thermistor
Implementation Method 4
an air movement device circulates heated air through a diffuser structure on the grill plate
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking system including a housing having a hollow interior and food being receivable within said hollow interior. A support body supports food within the hollow interior and a heating element is positioned to heat the hollow interior and the support body. A temperature sensor is operable to monitor a temperature of the support body. The temperature sensor is located remotely from said heating element.