Food processor with a measuring cup comprising sensors for detecting an operating condition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack the ability to accurately determine operating states within the cooking vessel, such as temperature, filling level, and presence of accessories, which can lead to incorrect cooking results and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A measuring cup with a sensor arrangement, including cameras, infrared sensors, ultrasonic range finders, and thermometers, that transmits data wirelessly to the food processor's control electronics via Bluetooth, enabling the detection of operating states and influencing the cooking process, while being self-sufficient and waterproof for dishwasher safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and electronic components are integrated into the measuring cup accessory, then the ability to detect operating states and improve cooking results is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring cup accessory is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a traditional measuring cup for ingredient preparation, a splash guard when placed on the lid, and a sensor station with multiple sensors (camera, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, thermometer) for detecting various cooking parameters. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating diverse capabilities into a single accessory without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions into one integrated accessory: the measuring cup, splash guard, and sensor detection system are merged into a single component that attaches to the food processor. The sensor assembly is integrated within the measuring cup structure, with sensors positioned to detect conditions in the cooking vessel when the cup is in place.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory includes electronic components and sensors, then the functionality and intelligence of the attachment are improved, but the waterproofing and ease of cleaning become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components and sensors are nested within a sealed cavity formed by the base of the measuring cup. The base includes a recess that receives the sensor assembly and electronic components, creating a protected compartment. This nested structure allows the accessory to maintain waterproofing while housing complex electronics, as the cavity can be sealed independently from the rest of the measuring cup structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the accessory, then the accuracy of cooking process monitoring is improved, but the energy consumption and battery requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors operate periodically rather than continuously, with the control unit activating them only when needed during the cooking process. The system can selectively activate specific sensors based on the cooking phase or detected conditions, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining monitoring accuracy when data is actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor data is fed back to the control unit, which can adjust cooking parameters or alert the user to conditions that require attention. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor efficiently by using sensor data to make real-time decisions, reducing the need for continuous high-power operation of all sensors simultaneously.
4Reliability
If the accessory provides real-time data transmission and user warnings, then the prevention of misuse and improvement of cooking results are enhanced, but the data transmission and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors to provide real-time information to the user through warnings or notifications. When sensors detect conditions indicating potential misuse (such as incorrect ingredient amounts, missing components, or abnormal cooking conditions), the control unit triggers appropriate warnings to guide the user toward correct operation, improving reliability without requiring complex processing algorithms.
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
Enhances cooking results by ensuring correct loading and operation, preventing misuse through accurate state detection and allowing for program-controlled adjustments, while being easy to clean and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement, preferably located in the base of the attachment designed as a measuring cup, and in particular the base extending into the cooking vessel through a lid opening, can include sensors such as a camera, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a thermometer
Implementation Method 2
The sensor arrangement can include an infrared sensor
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic distance sensor
Implementation Method 4
For example, an induction coil could be integrated into the lid, acting as the primary coil of a transformer. The accessory can contain a secondary coil which, when the accessory is attached to the food processor, forms a transformer together with the primary coil, allowing energy to be transferred to the accessory.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an accessory part for a kitchen machine (1), designed in particular as a measuring cup, for placement on a cooking vessel (3), and to a kitchen machine 1 equipped in this way, wherein a sensor arrangement (4) is arranged in the accessory part, with which operating states can be determined and wirelessly transmitted to the kitchen machine.