Electric Cooker Temperature Control for Uniform Two-Sided Baking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric cookers with equal-rated power heaters for upper and lower dies result in uneven baking due to temperature differences, often causing the upper die to overheat and burn the dough, especially when baking different snack cakes with differently shaped dies.
Innovation Solution
The electric cooker adjusts the power transmission rate of the upper electric heater based on the mass reduction rate of the upper die relative to the lower die, using an ON/OFF time division control system to maintain a consistent temperature between the two dies, preventing excessive heating and ensuring uniform baking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the upper and lower dies are heated by heaters with the same rated power, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the upper die temperature becomes higher than the lower die temperature causing non-uniform baking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different rated powers to the upper and lower heaters according to the specific heat capacities of the upper and lower dies. The heater with higher rated power is assigned to heat the die with lower heat capacity, ensuring both dies reach and maintain the same temperature during baking, thus achieving uniform temperature distribution without requiring equal mass dies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of heater rated power to match the heat capacity characteristics of each die. By calculating the specific heat capacities of the upper and lower dies and setting the heater rated powers proportionally, the system achieves temperature equilibrium between the two dies, resolving the temperature uniformity issue while maintaining structural simplicity
2Temperature
If the mass of the upper die is increased to equal the lower die mass, then the temperature uniformity improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the mass parameter of the dies, the patent changes the heater rated power parameter to compensate for the heat capacity difference. This allows temperature uniformity to be achieved through thermal control rather than structural modification, avoiding increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of equalizing die masses with a thermal control approach using heaters of different rated powers. This substitution achieves the same temperature uniformity goal without the cost penalty of manufacturing heavier dies
3Temperature
If temperature sensors and control devices are added to equalize die temperatures, then temperature uniformity improves, but the control system becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and setting the rated powers of the upper and lower heaters based on the heat capacity ratios of the dies before operation. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for real-time temperature sensing and active control during baking, achieving temperature uniformity through passive thermal design
4Temperature
If multiple heaters with different rated powers are manufactured, then temperature uniformity improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the heater rated powers to match the local heat capacity characteristics of each die position. The upper heater and lower heater are designed with different rated powers according to their respective die's thermal properties, achieving optimal temperature control for each location without requiring multiple heater models
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 method allows for uniform baking of both sides of ingredients without the need for equal mass dies or multiple heaters, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the control system while preventing surface burning.
Implementation Method 1
heating the upper and lower dies with electric heaters
Implementation Method 2
the upper and lower dies being heated by heaters with the same rated power at the same time during a certain time so that the ingredients such as snack cakes are baked
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of baking both sides of ingredients between upper and lower dies with the upper and lower electric heaters respectively, a temperature of one of the lower and upper dies is detected. Based on temperature information detected thereby, consumed power of the other of the lower and upper dies is controlled, thereby making a temperature of the lower die closer to that of the upper die, thereby baking both sides of the ingredients.