Continuous-Fill Cooking Chamber Climate Control for Mixed Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking appliances struggle to achieve standardized high-quality cooking results when continuously loading different cooking products at different times, especially with mixed loading, due to inadequate climate control and user variability.

Innovation Solution

A method and appliance that dynamically adjust the cooking chamber climate based on the type and quantity of cooking products, using sensors and timers to set optimal temperature, humidity, and air circulation at various points during the cooking process, allowing for flexible handling of mixed loads without manual corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous loading with different cooking products is performed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous loading capabilityVSAvoidcooking result standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking appliance dynamically adjusts cooking parameters (temperature, humidity, air circulation) based on the detected cooking product type and loading configuration. The control system modifies climate conditions in real-time during the cooking process to accommodate different products loaded at different times, ensuring standardized results despite continuous variable loading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the cooking chamber climate (temperature, humidity, air flow) depending on the cooking product type and loading stage. Different parameter sets are applied for different cooking products and at different time points during continuous loading to maintain cooking quality standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mixed loading with different cooking products is performed, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixed loading capabilityVSAvoidcooking result consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking chamber is divided into multiple cooking levels, each capable of being independently configured for different cooking product types. The control system segments the cooking process by product type, allowing mixed loading while maintaining standardized cooking conditions for each product category through level-specific parameter control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If manual timer initiation is used for each insert, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidloading operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking appliance automatically detects when cooking products are loaded into the chamber and initiates the appropriate cooking programs without manual intervention. The system self-services by monitoring loading status and autonomously starting cooking processes, eliminating the need for manual timer initiation while maintaining operational simplicity

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

Ensures consistent high-quality cooking results by adapting the cooking chamber climate in real-time to the changing loads, accommodating different cooking products and user interactions, thereby improving reproducibility and efficiency in continuous filling operations.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors and timers to set optimal temperature, humidity, and air circulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

dynamically adjust the cooking chamber climate based on the type and quantity of cooking products, using sensors and timers to set optimal temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

set optimal temperature, humidity, and air circulation at various points during the cooking process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidity control:

Implementation Method 4

set optimal temperature, humidity, and air circulation at various points during the cooking process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8147888B2Method for the intelligent continuous filling of a cooking device and cooking device therefor

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 RATIONAL AG

AI summary

A method for managing cooking programs first comprises selecting, at a point in time (t0), a type of item to be cooked (i), items (j) of the type of item to be cooked (i), and various treatment planes (k) of a cooking compartment that are to be filled at a point in time (t2) with the items (j). Then, each treatment plane (k) is filled at point in time (t2) with the items (j). Then, in dependence on at least the filling of the cooking compartment with items to be cooked at point in time (t2), a first cooking temperature is set at a point in time (t3). Then, a signal for removing the cooked items (j) from the cooking compartment is emitted at a point in time (t4ki) for each treatment plane (k).