Cooking Equipment Adaptive Heating Power Control to Prevent Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking equipment, such as electric rice cookers, face issues with overflow due to improper water levels and heating modes, leading to potential overcooking or property damage, as existing technologies lack effective mechanisms for adaptive mode switching and user notification.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect excessive water levels, switch to a target running mode with lower heating power, and send user notifications to prevent overflow, utilizing a processor and memory to manage running modes and communicate with a terminal for remote control and mode adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cooking equipment continues heating at high power to complete the cooking process, then the cooking efficiency is maintained, but overflow occurs causing property damage and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating power adjustable and switchable between different modes (first heating mode with higher power, second heating mode with lower power). The system dynamically changes heating parameters based on real-time water level detection, transitioning from high-power continuous heating to low-power intermittent heating when overflow risk is detected, thus maintaining cooking efficiency while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a water level detection device that continuously monitors the water level in the cooking chamber and provides real-time information to the control unit. When the water level exceeds the preset level, the system receives feedback and automatically switches from the first heating mode to the second heating mode, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overflow while maintaining cooking progress.
2Reliability
If the cooking equipment switches to a lower power mode to prevent overflow, then safety is improved, but the cooking time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through intermittent heating in the second heating mode. Instead of continuous low-power heating, the system uses periodic heating cycles with appropriate intervals, allowing the food to cook gradually while preventing overflow. This periodic heating approach reduces overall cooking time compared to continuous low-power heating while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes heating parameters (power level, heating duration, heating intervals) based on the detected water level. When overflow risk is detected, the system transitions from high-power continuous heating to a optimized combination of lower power and periodic heating, adjusting multiple parameters simultaneously to balance safety requirements with cooking efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the cooking equipment uses a fixed running mode selected by the user, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different water levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the cooking equipment to automatically detect water level and autonomously switch between heating modes without requiring user intervention. The control unit receives water level detection signals and automatically adjusts the heating mode, allowing the system to serve itself by adapting to actual cooking conditions while maintaining the simplicity of user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to handle multiple functions: it processes user selections for different cooking dishes, monitors water level in real-time, and automatically adjusts heating modes based on detected conditions. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain ease of operation while providing adaptive response to various water level scenarios.
4Reliability
If the cooking equipment adds a water level detection device and automatic mode switching capability, then the safety and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the water level detection device and control unit into the existing cooking equipment structure. The detection device is positioned within the cooking chamber, and the control unit is combined with the existing heating control system, allowing automatic overflow prevention functionality to be added without creating a completely separate complex subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control unit that acts as a mediator between the water level detection device and the heating element. The control unit receives signals from the detection device, processes the information, and controls the heating mode switching, simplifying the overall system architecture by using a dedicated intermediary component rather than direct complex interconnections.
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
Effectively prevents overflow by adjusting heating power and notifying users, enhancing controllability and safety while ensuring the cooking process meets user requirements.
Implementation Method 1
heating power in the target running mode is less than heating power in the current running mode
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking equipment running method and device are provided, and relate to the technical field of terminals. The method includes: a current running mode is acquired if it is detected that a water level of cooking equipment exceeds a preset water level during a running process of the cooking equipment; a target running mode is determined according to the current running mode, heating power in the target running mode being less than heating power in the current running mode; and the current running mode is switched to the target running mode.