Method for cooking foods, and apparatus implementing the method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses fail to achieve optimized organoleptic results and accurate core temperature cooking, lacking automatic control and user-friendly features for achieving desired texture and color.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with memory storage for internal cooking temperatures, capable of calculating cooking time based on selected temperature, food thickness, and surface area, with temperature sensors for precise temperature measurement and control, and automatic indication of cooking completion to prevent overcooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cooking monitoring is used, then user control flexibility is maintained, but cooking precision and consistency deteriorate due to human error and lack of automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by continuously monitoring the core temperature of food through sensors and comparing it against target temperature ranges. The system automatically adjusts heating power or terminates cooking when the desired core temperature is reached, eliminating manual monitoring errors and ensuring precise temperature control throughout the cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking apparatus performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of the cooking process. The embedded microcontroller automatically tracks cooking time, monitors temperature sensors, calculates when the food core reaches target temperature, and controls the heating element without requiring user intervention, thereby achieving both automation and precision simultaneously.
2Reliability
If cooking time is extended to ensure thorough cooking, then food safety improves, but overcooking risk increases and organoleptic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual timing and visual inspection with electronic temperature sensing and microcontroller-based calculation. The system uses thermal conduction principles to calculate when the food core reaches safe and optimal temperatures based on surface temperature measurements and cooking time, automatically determining the precise moment to stop heating to prevent overcooking while ensuring food safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts cooking parameters including heating power levels, target temperature thresholds, and cooking time calculations based on food type, size, and initial temperature. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed settings, the system ensures both food safety through adequate cooking and optimal organoleptic quality by preventing overcooking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking parameters are manually adjusted, then cooking customization increases, but device complexity and user error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system where a single microcontroller handles multiple functions: monitoring temperature sensors, calculating cooking time, controlling heating elements, and providing user feedback. This multi-functional approach provides diverse cooking temperature options and customization without increasing physical device complexity, as one integrated controller performs all control tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded microcontroller serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex thermal processes. It translates simple user inputs (food type, desired doneness) into precise control signals for the heating element, while also monitoring sensor data and calculating optimal cooking parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies the user interface while maintaining sophisticated control capabilities.
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
Ensures consistent and optimized cooking quality by automatically controlling cooking time and temperature, reducing user intervention and minimizing errors, while maintaining food quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
cooking a food by contact with at least one heating plate
Implementation Method 2
a measurement of the temperature of the heating plate, and comparing the measured temperature to a predetermined threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cooking apparatus, preferably including a plurality of heating plates for contact cooking. The cooking time is determined by selecting a desired degree of cooking of the food. After estimating the surface area occupied by the food on one of the heating plates, said cooking time is calculated on the basis of the desired degree of cooking, the thickness of the food, and the surface area occupied by the food.