Cooking Program Modules for Easier Multi-Stage Oven Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of cooking appliances are overwhelmed with programming complex cooking programs and can only make simple changes, requiring trained personnel for optimal results.

Innovation Solution

Integration of pre-stored intelligent cooking program modules within the appliance's programming environment, allowing users to create complex programs by selecting and adapting modules for specific food characteristics and cooking device functions, reducing the need for manual programming and enabling user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cooking programs are made complex to handle multiple cooking functions and parameters, then cooking control precision and functionality are improved, but user programming difficulty and time requirement increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking control precisionVSAvoiduser programming difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides complex cooking programs into multiple selectable modules (e.g., grilling module, roasting module, baking module, steaming module). Each module handles specific cooking functions with pre-configured parameters. Users only need to select and combine relevant modules rather than programming entire complex sequences, thus maintaining cooking precision while simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures cooking parameters, sequences, and control logic within each module during manufacturing or initial setup. These pre-programmed modules contain optimized cooking curves, temperature profiles, and timing sequences. Users benefit from this preliminary preparation by simply selecting modules suited to their cooking needs without performing complex programming tasks themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If cooking programs are pre-configured by manufacturers to simplify user operation, then ease of use is improved, but user adaptability and customization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser ease of useVSAvoiduser customization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic configuration where users can selectively activate or deactivate specific modules within a cooking program based on their requirements. Users can also adjust parameters within modules (such as temperature levels, timing, or intensity) to adapt to different cooking scenarios. This dynamic approach maintains ease of use through modular selection while providing sufficient adaptability for customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs modules to be universally applicable across different cooking scenarios. For example, a grilling module can be used for various types of meat or vegetables by adjusting basic parameters, rather than requiring separate programs for each food item. This universal design allows users to adapt the same set of modules to diverse cooking needs, balancing simplicity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more cooking program functions and parameters are provided, then cooking program capability is improved, but programming time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking program capabilityVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting cooking programs into functional modules, the patent allows users to quickly assemble customized programs by selecting only the modules they need for a specific cooking task. This modular approach reduces programming time compared to configuring entire programs from scratch, while still providing access to comprehensive cooking capabilities through the available module library.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows users to copy and reuse previously successful module combinations or entire programs for similar cooking tasks. Once a user has configured a satisfactory program using the modular system, they can store it and replicate it for future use, significantly reducing programming time for routine cooking operations while maintaining full program capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2042809B1Method for simplified programming of a cooking device
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 RATIONAL AG
  • EP2042809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2042809B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method involves recognizing and/or compensating a characteristic variable of a cooking device element. An opening of a cooking chamber door is recognized and/or is compensated. An operation of a cooking device is guided. Holding, encrust, energy-saving and cleaning and/or decalcification operations are executed in cooking program modules (M1-M4). A cooking chamber atmosphere is preheated or precooled before executing stirring, cutting and door closing operations that are initiated after recognizing a minimal temperature of the atmosphere, and operation instructions are outputted.