Cloud system for controlling outdoor grill with mobile application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances, such as grills and smokers, lack remote control capabilities beyond a limited range due to Bluetooth radio limitations, restricting users' ability to control functions and access information from mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and cloud computing platform that enables communication and control of electronically-controlled appliances by receiving inputs, generating notifications, and transmitting instructions to hardware controllers, allowing users to control appliances remotely through software applications and mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BLUETOOTH radio is used for communication between mobile device and appliance, then wireless control capability is provided, but control range is limited to proximity of the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module that can operate in both BLUETOOTH mode (for proximity control) and Wi-Fi mode (for remote control via cloud platform). This intermediary communication system allows the appliance to bridge between local Bluetooth connectivity and remote cloud-based connectivity, effectively extending the control range beyond Bluetooth limitations while maintaining the ease of wireless operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual controls are integrated into the grill frame, then control functionality is provided, but user must be physically present at the grill to make changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic control system that includes a processor, wireless communication module, and cloud platform connectivity. This substitution allows users to control the appliance remotely through a mobile application without needing to be physically present at the grill, eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustment while preserving full control functionality.
3Extent of automation
If electronic controls with solenoids are used, then automated gas flow regulation is achieved, but user still must be present at the appliance to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional control system that combines local electronic controls with remote cloud-based controls. The appliance can accept control commands both locally (maintaining automated gas flow regulation) and remotely via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection to the cloud platform (enabling settings adjustment from anywhere). This universal control approach allows the appliance to perform multiple control functions through a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to communicating with and controlling operation of electronically-controlled appliances. In one scenario, a computer system receives a first input from a computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is permitted to communicate with a cloud computing platform. The computer system generates a notification that is to be sent to a software application, where the software application is configured to control functions of the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system transmits the generated notification to the software application, where the generated notification indicates that the cloud computing platform is communicably connected to the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system then receives a second input from the software application indicating that specified functions are to be performed on the electronically-controlled appliance, and transmits instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions. These functions are then interpreted and carried out by a hardware controller on the electronically-controlled appliance.