Household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances for meal preparation lack integrated networked operation with external devices, such as cleaning devices, which limits their ability to automatically control and coordinate cleaning processes based on the meal preparation sequence.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance controller that outputs control commands to external devices, such as cleaning devices, based on the progress of a sequence of steps in meal preparation, enabling wireless communication and automatic initiation of cleaning operations during or after meal preparation, including the use of image acquisition for contamination assessment and ingredient-specific cleaning instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If household appliances operate independently without networked control, then device complexity is reduced, but automation capability and coordination with external devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between the household appliance controller and external cleaning devices. The appliance controller generates control commands based on meal preparation progress, while external devices execute cleaning tasks independently, achieving automation without requiring all components to be part of a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives meal preparation progress information and translates it into control commands for external cleaning devices. This mediator approach enables automated coordination between meal preparation and cleaning operations without requiring direct complex integration between all system components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If household appliances are integrated with external devices for networked operation, then automation and coordination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the meal preparation controller and as the command generator for external cleaning devices. This universal approach allows the same controller to manage different types of operations (meal preparation and cleaning coordination) without requiring separate specialized systems, thereby improving adaptability while limiting complexity growth.
3Productivity
If cleaning operations are performed manually, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating control commands for cleaning operations based on the progress of meal preparation steps. Cleaning tasks are automatically initiated in advance or during meal preparation without waiting for manual intervention, thereby improving productivity through automated timing and coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance in the form of a food processor has a controller that controls the preparation of a meal according to a sequence of prescribed steps that includes comminuting, mixing or heating the meal or ingredients. The controller is designed and set up to output a control command for controlling an external cleaning device depending on a progress of the sequence of steps. The control command to the external device includes a cleaning instruction for the external device to effect cleaning in an area where the household appliance is located.