Cooking Device Control Interface with Segmented Operation Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking devices with microwave and electric heaters face limitations in usability, particularly for professional use, as they often require complex operation sequences and have limited space for operation switches, making it difficult to use multiple switches effectively when stacked and limiting their arrangement and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cooking device design featuring a first operation section on the door and a second operation section on the cooking device body, allowing parallel or selective operation regardless of the door's open or closed state, with redundant switches for increased operability and flexibility in switch placement, including safety features like invalidating operations when the door is opened or closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operation sections are arranged on the cooking device body, then the device can be operated when stacked, but the space and area for installing operation sections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation sections are divided into two separate locations: one on the door and another on the cooking device body. This segmentation allows each operation section to serve different purposes and be accessible under different conditions, resolving the contradiction between limited space and need for operability when stacked.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation sections are arranged in different spatial dimensions and locations (door vs. body front face), utilizing the three-dimensional space of the device. This dimensional distribution increases the effective area available for operation sections without increasing the device footprint.
2Ease of operation
If operation sections are arranged on the door, then the device can be operated when door is open, but the operation section cannot be operated when the door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the operation sections into two separate locations (door and body), the system enables operation in different door states. The body-mounted operation section remains accessible regardless of door position, while the door-mounted section is accessible when the door is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different operational contexts by providing different operation sections for different door states. The control system can selectively respond to inputs from either operation section based on the current door state and operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operation switches are arranged in one place, then the device can be operated, but the arrangement of operation switches becomes complex and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switches are segmented into two separate groups located in different positions on the device. This distribution reduces the density and complexity of switch arrangements at any single location, making each operation section more manageable and easier to use.
Solution Approach 2:
Each operation section is designed with locally optimized switch arrangements suited to its specific function and location. The door-mounted section and body-mounted section can have different layouts and functions tailored to their respective operational contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
In a cooking device for cooking an object to be heated, a first operation section is provided to a lower portion of a door, and a second operation section is provided to an upper portion on a front face of a cooking device body so as to be exposed in spite of the door being opened or closed. Numeric keys for accepting a selection from a plurality of recipes stored in advance and start keys for accepting a start of heating are provided to the first and second operation sections redundantly. Therefore, in a case of when the door closes, the first and second operation sections can be used in parallel, allowing arrangement of many keys to have good operability.