Cooking appliance and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of cooking appliances face challenges in accurately determining the progress and completion of cooking due to the lack of real-time monitoring of the cooking state of objects being heated.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a concentration sensor, such as a salinity sensor, that detects the concentration of a reference substance, and a control unit that determines the cooked state based on this concentration, allowing for the transmission of information about the cooking state to external devices and adjusting cooking methods based on detected salinity, weight, and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cooking appliance cooks an object to be heated by generating heat in accordance with a set heating value for an amount of time which is set by a user, then the cooking process is simple to operate, but the user cannot accurately recognize the progress in cooking the object to be heated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the concentration of reference substance (such as salt) in the object to be heated and providing real-time information about cooking progress to the user. The control unit monitors concentration changes and communicates cooking status, allowing users to understand how their food is cooking without complicating the operation interface.
2Measurement precision
If a concentration sensor and control unit are added to detect reference substance concentration and determine cooked state, then cooking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the concentration of a reference substance (such as salt) as an intermediary indicator to indirectly determine the cooking state of the object. Instead of directly measuring complex cooking parameters like internal temperature or texture, the system measures the concentration change of a simple reference substance that correlates with cooking progress, thereby achieving accurate cooking state detection with relatively simple sensing technology.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system determines cooked state based on reference substance concentration, then cooking accuracy is improved, but the cost of additional sensors and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct physical cooking parameters (temperature, time, texture) to chemical concentration parameters of a reference substance. This parameter transformation allows the use of relatively simple and cost-effective concentration sensors instead of complex multi-parameter monitoring systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving cooking accuracy.
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 accurate determination of cooked states, including finished, overcooked, and undercooked states, and allows for personalized cooking methods based on detected salinity and user preferences, enhancing cooking precision and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source configured to radiate light toward the object to be heated; and at least one light detector configured to detect scattered light generated by the reference substance
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a cooking appliance which includes a concentration sensor for detecting a concentration of a reference substance in which proportional amounts of ingredients change in accordance with progress in cooking an object to be heated; a control unit for determining a cooked state of the object to be heated based on the detected concentration of the reference substance; and a communication unit for transmitting, to an external device which is connected to a home network, information which indicates the cooked state of the object to be heated.