Cooking Appliance Wireless Control With Adaptive Connection States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data communication methods for domestic appliances, such as cooking ovens and hobs, lack flexibility and effectiveness, especially when controlling or monitoring these appliances remotely using mobile computer devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system enabling wireless data connections between domestic cooking appliances and mobile computer devices, allowing for flexible control and monitoring through different connection states, including remote control, parameter monitoring, and real-time visual feedback, with optional bidirectional communication and integration with social networks and databases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data connection is used for remote control of domestic appliances, then flexibility and remote operability are improved, but connection reliability and control precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection state management where the system automatically transitions between different connection states (first connection state with full functionality, second connection state with limited functionality) based on real-time connection quality assessment. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability by downgrading functionality when connection quality deteriorates, while preserving flexibility when connection quality is good.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different connection states that have different functional characteristics. In the first connection state, full remote control and monitoring parameters are enabled, while in the second connection state, only essential parameters are maintained. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's operational mode to connection conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection states are implemented for different functionality levels, then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidconnection state management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection functionality into distinct connection states (first connection state for full functionality, second connection state for limited functionality). This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating each state as a separate, well-defined mode with specific enabled parameters, rather than managing continuous variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computer device serves multiple functions across different connection states - it can perform full remote control in the first state and basic monitoring in the second state. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to handle diverse usage scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If remote monitoring and control functions are enabled, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption of the appliance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic connection state transitions where the appliance alternates between being in a first connection state (with full monitoring and control enabled) and a second connection state (with limited functionality). During the second connection state, energy-intensive monitoring and control functions are reduced or suspended, thereby reducing energy consumption while still maintaining basic operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20220239520A1Method for data communication with a domestic appliance by a mobile computer device, mobile computer device and domestic appliance

Publication Date: 2022.07.28 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES

AI summary

A cooking appliance is disclosed having a sensing element that is arranged and configured to detect a current value of an operational feature. A memory is present which includes a database of a table of data of other values related to the operational features. Via a processor, the cooking appliance can access the database and compare the current and other values. When the current and other values do not match, the processor can then generate instructions to a control unit to cause the cooking appliance to adjust its settings such that the current value matches the other value. The operational features may include operating temperature, temperature setting, mode of heat generation and other settings on the cooking appliance.