Cooking device and components thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countertop cooking systems lack efficient temperature control and air circulation mechanisms, which can lead to inconsistent cooking results and difficulty in achieving specific cooking modes like grilling and air frying.
Innovation Solution
A cooking system with a housing containing a heating element and a support body, where a temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the support body and adjusts the heating element's operation to maintain optimal cooking conditions, and an air movement device circulates heated air through a diffuser structure on the support body to enhance cooking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned close to the heating element for accurate temperature monitoring, then temperature control precision is improved, but the sensor is exposed to excessive heat and smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gel or paste) between the temperature sensor and the cooking plate to thermally couple them while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to excessive heat and smoke. This intermediary allows heat transfer from the cooking plate to the sensor while maintaining physical separation and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is implemented as a disposable component that is replaced periodically. This approach is economically viable because the sensor is inexpensive to replace compared to other system components, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision without investing in complex sensor protection mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support body has large thermal mass for stable temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but the heating time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the support body before cooking begins. The processor monitors temperature via the sensor and activates the heating element in advance to bring the support body to the target temperature, ensuring temperature stability is achieved before food is placed on the cooking surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The processor controls the heating element to turn on and off in cycles, maintaining the support body temperature within an acceptable range while reducing overall energy consumption and heating time compared to continuous operation.
3Reliability
If the system includes multiple temperature sensors for comprehensive monitoring, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single temperature sensor serves multiple functions: monitoring the cooking plate temperature, detecting when the target temperature is reached, and controlling the heating element operation. This multi-functional use of a single sensor achieves reliable temperature control without the complexity of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cooking plate itself as part of the temperature sensing mechanism. The thermal coupling between the plate and sensor allows the plate's thermal properties to contribute to the sensing process, reducing the need for additional dedicated sensing 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
The system ensures consistent temperature control and efficient air circulation, allowing for various cooking modes such as grilling and air frying, while minimizing weight and cost by optimizing the thermal mass of the support body.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned to heat the hollow interior and the support body
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor includes a thermistor
Implementation Method 3
an air movement device circulates heated air through a diffuser structure on the support body
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking system including a housing having a hollow interior and food being receivable within said hollow interior. A support body supports food within the hollow interior and a heating element is positioned to heat the hollow interior and the support body. A temperature sensor is operable to monitor a temperature of the support body. The temperature sensor is located remotely from said heating element.