Electric Cooker Pressure Switching for High- and Non-Pressure Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric cookers lack the ability to selectively change between high-pressure and non-pressure cooking modes, leading to suboptimal food texture and requiring separate devices for different cooking needs.
Innovation Solution
An electric cooker with a pressure conversion part that allows users to switch between high-pressure and non-pressure modes using magnetic sensors and a controller to determine the selected mode, displaying guidance and ensuring appropriate cooking algorithms are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief valve with fixed weight is used to maintain internal pressure, then the pressure control is simple and reliable, but the cooking mode cannot be selected and food texture quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is replaced with a solenoid valve that can dynamically adjust its opening state based on control signals. The solenoid valve can switch between fully closed, partially open, and fully open states, enabling dynamic pressure control for different cooking modes (high-pressure, non-pressure, and pressure release modes), thus resolving the contradiction between simple pressure control and cooking mode versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by controlling the solenoid valve's opening degree through different control signals. By adjusting the valve's opening state (closed/partially open/open), the internal pressure can be varied to achieve different cooking modes, allowing the same device to adapt to diverse cooking requirements without compromising pressure control reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single pressure level is maintained in the inner pot, then the pressure control mechanism is simple, but the user cannot select cooking modes suitable for different food types or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control mechanism transitions from a static weight-based valve to a dynamic solenoid valve system controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives user input and automatically adjusts the solenoid valve to achieve desired pressure levels for different cooking modes, making the system adaptable while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically determining the appropriate pressure mode based on pre-stored menu information. When a user selects a menu item, the microcontroller automatically configures the solenoid valve and heating parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust complex pressure settings while maintaining high adaptability.
3Productivity
If high-pressure cooking is always applied, then cooking speed is improved, but food texture becomes overly soft for dishes that do not require pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter based on the selected cooking menu. For dishes requiring high-pressure cooking (e.g., rice, beans), the solenoid valve maintains high pressure to achieve fast cooking. For dishes requiring non-pressure cooking (e.g., steamed vegetables), the valve remains open to maintain atmospheric pressure, preserving food texture. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between cooking speed and texture quality.
4Device complexity
If conventional pressure relief valve with weight is used, then the structure is simple, but separate devices are needed for non-pressure cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve-based pressure control system enables the single rice cooker to perform multiple functions: high-pressure cooking, non-pressure cooking, and pressure release cooking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate non-pressure rice cookers or pots, as the same device can adapt to all cooking requirements through electronic control of the solenoid valve and heating elements.
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 flexible cooking options for various recipes, ensuring food is cooked to the desired texture by allowing users to choose between high-pressure and non-pressure modes, improving food quality and compatibility with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve device configured to open and close a steam discharge passage
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor and a controller for determining the pressure mode based on the sensing signal from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electric cooker capable of changing between a high-pressure mode and a non-pressure mode and cooking a menu corresponding to the changed mode. The electric cooker includes a main body having an accommodation space therein to receive an inner pot, a lid coupled to the upper portion of the main body to be opened and closed, a pressure conversion part for selecting a high-pressure mode and a non-pressure mode by opening and closing a plurality of discharge paths configured to pass through and to block the gap between the inside of the inner pot and the outside of the lid, a sensor for sensing the high-pressure mode or the non-pressure mode selected by the pressure conversion part, and a controller for determining the pressure mode based on the sensing signal from the sensor among the pressure modes at least including the high-pressure mode and the non-pressure mode.