Cooking apparatus for cooking packaged ingredients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking apparatuses typically offer only single heating functions, requiring multiple appliances for varied cooking methods and posing difficulties for inexperienced users to cook properly with composite devices.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus equipped with a barcode reader and control module that automatically selects cooking modes and adjusts operation conditions based on data from barcodes on ingredient packages, including image recognition and temperature sensing to ensure proper cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking apparatuses are used to provide multiple cooking functions, then cooking versatility is improved, but kitchen space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking functions (microwave heating, steam cooking, hot air circulation) into a single cooking apparatus. The cooking chamber integrates different heating mechanisms that can operate simultaneously or independently, allowing one device to replace multiple separate cooking appliances, thereby reducing kitchen space while maintaining cooking versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities including microwave generation, steam injection, and hot air circulation systems. A single device can perform various cooking methods by activating different functional modules, making it a universal cooking solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized appliances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If composite cooking apparatuses with multiple functions are provided, then cooking versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies ingredients through barcode scanning and autonomously selects appropriate cooking programs, parameters, and sequences. The control system manages the complexity of multiple cooking functions without requiring user intervention, making the apparatus easy to operate while maintaining versatile cooking capabilities. Users simply place ingredients in the chamber and start the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to monitor cooking progress, temperature, and ingredient status in real-time. Based on feedback from these sensors, the control system automatically adjusts cooking parameters to ensure proper cooking outcomes. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for users to manually manage complex cooking parameters.
3Ease of operation
If automatic ingredient recognition and cooking parameter selection are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control. Barcode scanners, sensors, and microprocessors substitute for manual parameter adjustment mechanisms. This electronic automation simplifies user interaction while managing system complexity through software control rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the user and the complex cooking processes. This intermediary layer handles barcode recognition, ingredient identification, program selection, and parameter adjustment, shielding users from complexity while enabling automatic cooking control. The control system acts as a mediator that translates simple user actions into complex coordinated operations.
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
Enables automatic cooking with multiple functions in a single device, ensuring proper cooking by selecting appropriate modes and adjusting conditions based on ingredient data, enhancing user experience and food safety.
Implementation Method 1
The barcode reader is further configured to scan the barcode on the package. The barcode reader is further configured to decode the barcode so as to obtain the data represented by the barcode
Implementation Method 2
The cooking unit is configured to heat contents in the cooking room
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking apparatus for cooking ingredients packaged together in a package is provided. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking device and a barcode reader. The cooking device includes a housing defining a cooking room for accommodating the ingredients therein, a cooking unit for heating contents in the cooking room, and a control module electrically connected to the cooking unit for controlling operation of the cooking unit. The barcode reader is electrically connected to the control module, and scans a barcode on the package representing data related to information about the ingredients, decodes the barcode so as to obtain the data, and transmits the data to the control module that controls operation of the cooking unit based on the information.