Device for regulating the temperature of a grill, especially a gas grill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grilling devices lack the ability to regulate temperature remotely, requiring users to be present for precise temperature control, which can lead to overheating or underheating of food, and existing solutions either require complex electrical installations or void the operating permit.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control element featuring a servomotor coupled to a control unit, which measures actual temperature and adjusts heat supply based on set values, allowing for automatic temperature regulation and remote monitoring through a mobile app, without altering the grill's mechanical or electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mechanical controls are used for temperature regulation, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is reduced because the user must be present at the grill to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic control system that includes a temperature sensor, microcontroller, and solenoid valve. This substitution enables automatic temperature regulation and remote control via mobile device, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically monitors temperature through the sensor and adjusts gas flow via the solenoid valve based on pre-programmed temperature-time curves, allowing the grill to self-regulate without user intervention. The system serves itself by comparing actual temperature with target temperature and making autonomous adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If electronic controls with Bluetooth are implemented, then remote operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases and compatibility is limited to one paired device
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to work with multiple mobile devices simultaneously through Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the one-device limitation of Bluetooth. The microcontroller can manage multiple connections and allow different users to control or monitor the grill, making the system universally accessible without increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If integrated servomotors are used for automatic control, then temperature regulation precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced due to complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from complex integrated servomotors and implements it through a simpler electronic system using a solenoid valve controlled by a microcontroller. This extraction maintains temperature control precision while significantly simplifying installation, as the solenoid valve can be easily integrated into existing gas grill systems without removing or modifying mechanical components.
4Extent of automation
If existing grill systems are modified for electronic control, then automation is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to potential interference with safety systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses a solenoid valve as an intermediary between the electronic controller and the gas supply, rather than directly modifying mechanical control components. This intermediary approach allows automatic temperature regulation while maintaining the integrity of existing safety systems, as the solenoid valve operates independently and does not interfere with mechanical safety features or operating permits.
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
Enables remote and precise temperature control of grills, ensuring consistent cooking without interfering with existing mechanical or electronic systems, maintaining safety and warranty, and allowing for sharing of temperature-time curves for various cooking methods.
Implementation Method 1
the control element having a servomotor that is coupled to a control unit
Implementation Method 2
At least one sensor, which measures the actual temperature inside the hood
Implementation Method 3
A gas cylinder is used as the heat supply unit, the gas from which flows via the control element to the heat emission unit. The spark ignites the gas and the burner begins to generate heat.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for regulating the temperature of a grill, which is arranged between a gas storage unit and a gas outlet unit that is part of the grill and used for grilling the food. The device comprises a control element for regulating the gas by means of a gas outlet regulator, which is generally manually operated. According to the invention, the device (10) comprises at least one electronic control element (11), a control unit (14), and at least one sensor (16). The control element (11) comprises a receiving element (12) and a transmitting element (13). The receiving element (12) is connectable to the mechanical control element (9) of the grill (1), and the transmitting element (13), and thus the mechanical control element (9), is adjustable depending on the size determined by the control unit (14).