Grill Controller Configuration Using Dongle-Based Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grills lack specific configuration data, leading to cumbersome user interactions and suboptimal cooking experiences due to the absence of unique product information and component details, resulting in generalized cook programs that do not optimize grill performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dongle with preloaded configuration data that connects to the grill's controller, allowing for the transmission of specific product manufacturing and identification data, as well as component configurations, to facilitate registration and optimize cook programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration data is stored in printed form or product literature, then the grill can be manufactured without complex data storage systems, but the user registration process becomes cumbersome requiring manual data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dongle as an intermediary device that bridges the controller and the configuration data stored in printed form or product literature. The dongle contains a reader that can scan barcodes or QR codes from these external sources and transfer the configuration data to the controller, thereby automating the registration process without requiring the controller to have built-in data storage capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physically locating and reading configuration data with an automated optical scanning system. The dongle's reader uses barcode or QR code scanning technology to automatically capture configuration data, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing user interaction during registration
2Productivity
If generalized cook programs are used across all grill types, then the controller can operate without specific configuration data, but the cooking performance is suboptimal and not tailored to specific grill configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing configuration data specific to each grill's components, layout, and capabilities in externally accessible sources such as printed manuals or digital documents. This data is made available before the grill operates, allowing the controller to retrieve and apply configuration-specific cook programs that are optimized for that particular grill's hardware setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the controller to adjust cooking parameters based on retrieved configuration data. Instead of using fixed generalized settings, the system modifies temperature profiles, cooking times, and burner activation sequences to match the specific capabilities and component arrangement of each individual grill
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller has no knowledge of component locations and arrangements, then the device structure remains simple, but the user interface cannot provide configuration-specific guidance or optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts configuration data from the controller itself and places it in external sources such as printed manuals or digital documents. The controller only needs to retrieve this data when needed through the dongle interface, rather than storing it permanently. This separation allows the controller to remain relatively simple while still accessing detailed configuration information about component locations, arrangements, and capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus for supplying configuration data to controllers of grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a controller and a dongle. The dongle is connectable to the controller. The dongle includes memory storing configuration data associated with the grill. The controller is to read the configuration data from the memory in response to the dongle being connected to the controller.