User interface for a cooking appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pizza cooking appliances require complex and expensive circuitry or are not user-friendly when switching between different cooking modes.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance with a control hub and interface that allows users to easily switch between modes using a magnetic interface and Hall effect sensor, eliminating the need for a separate switch, and featuring a flexible sheet member with projections for mounting, enabling quick and cost-effective mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex circuitry is used to switch between cooking modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking mode switching capabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical switching circuitry with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet attached to the control knob interacts with a Hall effect sensor to detect knob position and switch between cooking modes, eliminating the need for complex contact-based switching circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the control knob and the control system. The magnet's field serves as the mediator that communicates knob position information to the Hall effect sensor, enabling mode switching without direct electrical contact or complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex circuitry is used to switch between cooking modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking mode switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electrical switching components with inexpensive magnetic field detection. The Hall effect sensor and magnet approach uses simpler, cheaper components that are easier to manufacture and assemble into the cooking appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs low-cost magnetic components (magnet and Hall effect sensor) that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace if needed, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to complex electrical switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional switching mechanisms are used, then cooking mode control is achieved, but user-friendliness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking mode controlVSAvoiduser-friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches or buttons with a magnetic field-based detection system that automatically senses the control knob's position. This provides more intuitive and seamless mode switching that enhances user experience without requiring manual switching actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The Hall effect sensor automatically detects the magnet's position and switches cooking modes without user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically interpreting the control knob's position and adjusting cooking parameters, making operation simpler and more user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a user-friendly and cost-effective method to switch between cooking modes, enhancing usability and reducing complexity in pizza cooking appliances.

Implementation Method 1

the interface is magnetically attracted to the front face so as to be removably mounted thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the sensor being configured to detect a magnetic field of the interface and to switch the controller from the first mode to the second mode upon the sensor detecting the magnetic field of the interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12108907B2User interface for a cooking appliance

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 BREVILLE HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A cooking appliance (10) including: a body (12) with a front face; at least one projection (24, 26, 28) extending from the front face, and that is manipulated by a user to control the appliance (10); and an interface (30) releasably mounted on the front face adjacent the projection (24, 26, 28), the interface (30) being mountable in a first orientation or a second orientation, with the orientation to be selected by the user when mounting the interface (30) on the front face.