Cooking Control Interface for Accurate Extra Cooking Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multi-function cooking appliances face challenges in determining the additional cooking time required for supplemental cooking cycles, as it depends on various parameters such as food quantity, type, and oven temperature, leading to guesswork without intuitive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function cooking apparatus with a user interface and processor that allows a single user input for additional cooking time, which calculates the supplemental time based on parameters gathered from the appliance, including a graphic display and adjustable heating elements for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user manually determines additional cooking time for supplemental cycles, then the user can control the cooking process, but the user must guess the required time without knowing the actual parameters, leading to imprecise cooking results
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking apparatus automatically calculates and determines the supplemental cooking time based on its own internal parameters (oven temperature, food quantity, food type, cooking time already elapsed) without requiring the user to manually estimate or input these values. The system serves itself by gathering data from its own sensors and processors to make the timing decision
Solution Approach 2:
The processor receives real-time feedback from sensors about the actual oven temperature, food state, and cooking progress, then uses this feedback to calculate the precise supplemental time needed. This closed-loop feedback system replaces the user's guesswork with data-driven automatic adjustment
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus automatically calculates supplemental cooking time based on multiple parameters, then cooking precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions: it monitors oven temperature, tracks cooking time, identifies food type and quantity, and calculates supplemental cooking time - all within a single control unit. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate dedicated devices for each measurement and calculation task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines temperature sensing, time tracking, parameter storage, and calculation logic into an integrated control system. The processor merges these previously separate functions into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision
3Ease of operation
If the user selects from multiple pre-programmed settings, then the operation becomes simpler, but the adaptability to specific cooking conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixed pre-programmed settings, the system dynamically calculates cooking parameters based on real-time conditions. The supplemental time adapts automatically according to the actual oven temperature, food characteristics, and cooking progress, providing flexibility without requiring complex user input
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 intuitive and accurate supplemental cooking times, ensuring food is cooked to the desired level without overcooking, while optimizing energy consumption by controlling heating element power usage.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heating elements used for cooking
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-function cooking apparatus and method. The apparatus including: a user interface element; one or more heating elements used for cooking; and a processor element adapted to receive an input command from the user interface element; the processor element being configured to control the one or more heating elements used for cooking. The user interface control element includes a function selector having a plurality of cooking function configurations. The user interface control element further includes a first input selector for enabling a user to select when a bit more additional cooking time is requested; the processor element adding a supplemental cooking time to a current cooking time.