Cooking Device Power Differentiation for Utensil Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking devices with multiple heating units lack flexibility in power distribution, leading to suboptimal temperature control and cooking performance, especially when handling utensils of varying sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A cooking device with a power device featuring a differentiation unit that allows for distinct heating power allocation to multiple heating units, enabling simultaneous or successive power supply, and a concentric arrangement of heating units for adaptable temperature distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating units are used to define a connected cooking zone, then the cooking area is expanded and versatility is improved, but the power distribution becomes inflexible and temperature control becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking area versatilityVSAvoidpower distribution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power device is segmented into multiple independent power units, each capable of independently controlling power delivery to individual heating units. This segmentation enables flexible power distribution to different heating units based on the specific cooking requirements and utensil geometry, resolving the contradiction between having multiple heating units for versatility and maintaining flexible power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic power distribution where the power units can independently adjust their output power in real-time based on feedback from temperature sensors and control logic. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt power delivery to match the geometry of different cooking utensils and achieve optimal temperature distribution across the cooking zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If heating power is distributed uniformly across multiple heating units, then the system is simple to control, but temperature distribution becomes non-uniform especially for utensils of varying sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Each power unit is equipped with independent control capabilities that allow it to deliver different power levels to different heating units based on local requirements. The control system can identify which heating units are actively engaged with a cooking utensil and adjust their power output accordingly, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire cooking zone even when heating units are engaged to different extents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If simultaneous power supply to multiple heating units is implemented, then cooking efficiency is improved, but power distribution control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidpower distribution control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power device is divided into multiple independent power units, each with its own control logic and power delivery capability. This segmentation allows simultaneous power supply to multiple heating units while maintaining simple independent control for each power unit, avoiding the need for a single complex control system that would manage all heating units collectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each power unit operates with a degree of autonomy, independently detecting which heating units require power and delivering appropriate power levels without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service capability simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling efficient simultaneous operation of multiple heating units.

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

The solution provides a flexible and efficient heating mode that adapts to the geometry of cooking utensils, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and improved cooking results by allowing precise control of heating power across multiple units.

Implementation Method 1

a cooking device (10) with at least two heating units (24) which, in cooperation, define a connected cooking zone (14) of a cooking plate (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2206407B2Cooking device
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2206407B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2206407B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2206407B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooking device having at least two heating units (24.1, 24.2, 24.3; 24.4) together determining a contiguous cooking zone (14) of a cooking surface (12), and a power device (28) provided for supplying power to the heating units (24.1, 24.2, 24.3; 24.4). In order to achieve particularly advantageous preparation results, the invention proposes that the power device (28) comprises a differentiation unit (36) provided for differentiating a first position heating power (H'2) for a first heating unit (24.2) from a second positive heating power (H'3) for a second heating unit (24.3) in a differentiated heating mode having at least two heating units (24.2, 24.3).