Domestic cooking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household cooking appliances lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for improved steam operation, particularly in ovens with steam cooking functions.
Innovation Solution
A household cooking appliance featuring electrically operable heating elements, a mechanically switching mode selector switch, and a mechanical thermal controller, with an electronic circuit and relay system that allows for independent control of additional consumers, enabling versatile operation modes including steam cooking by separating heating circuit relays from cooking space radiators and operating them in a clocked manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heating circuit relays are separated from cooking space radiators and operated in a clocked manner, then steam generation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into separate heating circuit relays and cooking space radiators, allowing independent control of steam generation functions from general heating functions. This segmentation enables the steam cooking feature while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit with heating circuit relays serves multiple functions: it controls both the steam generation process and coordinates with the mechanical thermostat for overall temperature regulation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced steam operation capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic circuit with relay is added for independent consumer control, then operating mode versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit with heating circuit relays is merged with the existing mechanical thermostat control system. The electronic components are integrated into the existing control architecture, allowing the system to gain enhanced operating mode versatility while minimizing additional manufacturing costs through shared control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating circuit relay acts as an intermediary component between the electronic control circuit and the heating elements. This intermediary allows for independent consumer control and enhanced operating mode versatility while using a standardized, cost-effective relay component rather than requiring complex custom control electronics.
3Measurement precision
If heating elements are controlled by both mechanical thermostat and electronic circuit, then temperature regulation precision is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical thermostat provides continuous temperature feedback to the control system, which coordinates with the electronic circuit's clocked operation. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature regulation during steam generation by continuously monitoring cooking chamber temperature and adjusting heating element operation accordingly, achieving temperature precision without requiring complex electronic sensing and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical thermostat autonomously manages the coordination between the electronic heating circuit relay and the heating elements. By using the existing mechanical thermostat's self-regulating capability, the system achieves precise temperature control without adding complex electronic temperature sensing and control logic, thereby minimizing control system architecture complexity.
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 configuration enhances the appliance's performance and versatility, allowing for targeted steam generation and operation, improving cooking results while maintaining low additional costs.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical thermostat for regulating the switched-on heating elements depending on the temperature of the cooking chamber
Implementation Method 2
several electrically operated heating elements for heating a cooking chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A household cooking appliance (B2) has cooking space heating elements (2-5), a mechanically operated mode selector switch (8) for switching on or off at least one cooking space heating element depending on a set operating mode, a thermal controller (9 ), an electronic circuit (K1) with a heating circuit relay (K1.1) and at least one additional consumer (6) that can be switched on or off using the mode selector switch, the circuit being connected to the mode selector switch in order to identify a set operating mode, and is set up to keep the heating circuit relay (K1.1) closed or to switch it in cycles depending on the set operating mode, the mode selector switch can switch on or off at least one other consumer depending on a set mode of operation, and the mode selector switch is set up to, in at least a first mode of operation the Heizkreisr to switch relays in series with the cooking space heating elements and to switch the heating circuit relay in series with at least one other consumer in at least a second operating mode, to separate it from the cooking space heating elements and to switch in a clocked manner.