Cloud system for controlling outdoor grill with mobile application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances, such as grills and smokers, often require manual user presence for control adjustments and have limited remote operation capabilities due to range limitations of Bluetooth radios, restricting user control and functionality beyond proximity.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and cloud computing platform that enables communication and control of electronically-controlled appliances by receiving inputs from computing systems, generating notifications, and transmitting instructions to hardware controllers for remote operation, allowing users to control appliances via mobile devices from anywhere with internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BLUETOOTH radio is used for remote control, then user can control appliance from distance, but control range is limited by radio proximity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud computing platform as an intermediary between the mobile device and the outdoor appliance. The appliance communicates with the cloud platform via internet connection, which then relays commands and data to the user's mobile device. This mediator architecture eliminates the need for direct short-range communication, allowing users to control the appliance from anywhere with internet access, not just within Bluetooth range.
2Reliability
If manual controls are used, then appliance operation is simple and reliable, but user must be physically present at the appliance to make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic control system that includes a cloud-connected interface. Instead of physically adjusting knobs or buttons on the appliance, users send electronic commands through a mobile application connected to the cloud platform, which then translates these commands into control signals for the appliance's electronic components (such as solenoids for gas flow control). This substitution maintains reliable control while enabling remote operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If electronic controls with solenoids are used, then precise control of gas flow is achieved, but user still needs to be present to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-configure cooking parameters and send commands remotely before needing the appliance. Users can set desired temperature, cooking time, and other parameters through the mobile application, which are then transmitted via the cloud platform to the appliance's electronic control system. The solenoids and electronic components execute these pre-set commands automatically, eliminating the need for the user to be physically present during the cooking process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cloud computing platform is implemented, then remote control from anywhere is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional segments: the outdoor appliance with its electronic controls and sensors, the cloud computing platform for data transmission and processing, and the mobile application for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently. The cloud platform handles complex communication protocols and data management, while the appliance focuses on execution, and the mobile app provides the user interface. This modular architecture manages system complexity by distributing functions across separate components rather than consolidating everything in one place.
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.