Cooling multi-cooker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-cookers lack a cooling function, forcing users to prepare food just before cooking, which is inconvenient and can lead to spoilage if not possible at the desired time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cooker with integrated cooling and heating systems, utilizing a Peltier module and fan for heat transfer, allowing food to be kept cold until cooking time and then automatically switched to heating mode, with remote control capabilities via Wi-Fi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If food is prepared in advance and kept at room temperature, then convenience is improved, but food spoilage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is activated before the scheduled cooking time to pre-cool the inner pot and maintain food at safe temperatures during advance preparation. This preliminary cooling action prevents bacterial growth and spoilage while allowing users to prepare food ahead of time without compromising food safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the internal temperature of the inner pot and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the cooling system operation based on this feedback to maintain the temperature within the safe range (below 40°F or 4°C), preventing spoilage while ensuring food safety during advance preparation.
2Reliability
If a cooling system is added to the multi-cooker, then food preservation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is integrated with the existing heating system by sharing common components such as the inner pot, control unit, temperature sensor, and power supply. The Peltier module serves as a reversible component that can provide both cooling and heating functions, effectively merging two systems into one unified design that preserves food while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Peltier module is a multi-functional component that can operate in both cooling and heating modes depending on the direction of current flow. This universal component allows the multi-cooker to perform both food preservation and cooking functions using a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate dedicated cooling and heating mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the Peltier module is used for heat transfer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates periodically rather than continuously, with the control unit activating the Peltier module only when the temperature sensor detects that the internal temperature is rising above the target range. This periodic operation maintains cooling efficiency while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the current magnitude and duration supplied to the Peltier module based on real-time temperature feedback. When cooling is needed, the control unit increases current to maximize cooling efficiency; when temperature is stable, it reduces or stops current to minimize energy consumption, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and energy usage.
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
Enables users to prepare food in advance, keeping it cold until cooking, preventing spoilage and providing convenience through remote operation.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer module may be a peltier module
Implementation Method 2
a fan may be provided to enhance heat dissipation into the environment
Implementation Method 3
The heating system may comprise a resistive heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A cooker including: an inner pot; a cooling system coupled to the inner pot for cooling the inner pot; a heating system coupled to the inner pot for heating the pot; and a processor configured to control the cooling system and the heating system according to a programmed sequence.