Cooking Vessel Weighing Structure for Accurate In-Process Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses face challenges in accurately and precisely measuring food weight, especially in non-ideal conditions, due to sensitivity to heat, uneven support planes, and hysteresis, which affects precision and speed of measurements, and are not suitable for non-planar or irregularly distributed loads.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates at least two independent weight detection devices connected to a support unit that directly associates with the container and support plane, using load cells and distribution arms to stabilize and accurately measure weight, even in dynamic conditions, with a control unit for data processing and error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weighing unit with elastic support members is used to weigh food in a cooking apparatus, then the apparatus can measure food weight, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sensitivity to heat, uneven support planes, and hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weighing function into multiple independent load cells (at least two) positioned at different locations on the support plane. Each load cell independently measures weight, and the control unit processes signals from multiple sensors to calculate average weight, reducing the impact of individual sensor errors and improving overall measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid connection plate as an intermediary element between the container and the load cells. This connection plate provides a stable, heat-resistant interface that distributes the weight evenly to multiple load cells, isolating the sensitive measurement elements from direct exposure to heat and mechanical instability
2Device complexity
If the weighing unit is constrained to the bottom of the apparatus using rigid attachment, then the structure is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot compensate for non-horizontal support planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable support feet with leveling mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to uneven support planes. These feet allow the apparatus to self-level, ensuring the support plane becomes horizontal even when placed on uneven surfaces, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring complex rigid structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support members are flexible to damp vibrations, then the apparatus can operate on various surfaces, but the measurement speed deteriorates due to hysteresis requiring long times between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flexible elastic support members with rigid support structures combined with electronic vibration damping through the control unit. The load cells provide immediate weight signals, and the control unit processes these signals rapidly without the hysteresis delays inherent in elastic materials, enabling fast consecutive measurements while maintaining adaptability through adjustable support feet
4Extent of automation
If the weighing unit supports the weight of the container and food, then the measurement function is integrated, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot detect small quantities of food due to the weight of the external body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the container weight from the food weight measurement by implementing a tare function in the control unit. The system first measures the container weight (including support structure), stores this as a reference value, then subtracts it from subsequent measurements to display only the food weight. This extraction of the container weight allows accurate detection of small food quantities even when the total weight includes heavy external components
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
This solution enables precise and rapid weight measurement in any condition, reducing errors and allowing for accurate detection of weight variations, even during heating and cooking, with improved stability and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The weighing unit has at least two weight detection devices independent from one another... using load cells and distribution arms to stabilize and accurately measure weight
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for cooking food (10) comprising a casing (14), a lid (20) and at least a support unit (11), said casing (14) having a compartment in which to insert a container (12) which can be temporally associated with the support unit (11), and wherein the support unit (11) is configured to temporally support the container (12) with respect to a support plane. The apparatus for cooking food (10) also comprises a first heating unit (16a), a second heating unit (16b), a third heating unit (16c) and a weighing unit (18) associated with a control unit (36).