Barbecue Grill Temperature Control With Thermocouple Gas Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barbecues lack automated temperature control, relying on manual adjustments based on observation, which can lead to inconsistent cooking results and limited versatility in cooking methods.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system that automatically adjusts the flow rate of flammable fluid using a flow control apparatus and thermocouple feedback, allowing for precise temperature management within a barbecue grill, including the use of multiple zones and a divider for thermal separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual temperature adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic temperature control through a feedback mechanism where a thermocouple senses the temperature inside the barbecue chamber and sends signals to a controller, which then adjusts the gas flow rate accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise temperature control without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical temperature adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The flow control apparatus uses electronic signals from the controller to regulate gas flow, substituting the need for manual valve adjustments and mechanical temperature monitoring with automated sensing and actuation.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated temperature control is implemented, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic temperature control through a feedback mechanism where a thermocouple senses the temperature inside the barbecue chamber and sends signals to a controller, which then adjusts the gas flow rate accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise temperature control without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system operates autonomously by continuously monitoring its own performance through the thermocouple and automatically adjusting gas flow through the flow control apparatus. The system serves itself by detecting temperature deviations and correcting them without external intervention, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Device complexity
If single-zone grilling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooking versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the barbecue chamber into multiple independent temperature zones using physical dividers and separately controlled burners. Each zone can be controlled at different temperatures, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple cooking methods (grilling, baking, roasting) within the same barbecue apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the barbecue to perform multiple cooking functions by creating distinct thermal zones. The same barbecue chamber can simultaneously support high-heat grilling in one zone and low-heat baking or warming in another zone, making the device universally applicable to various cooking techniques.
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 precise temperature control, expanding cooking options beyond traditional grilling, such as baking, and improving food quality by maintaining consistent temperatures across different zones within the barbecue.
Implementation Method 1
A thermocouple may be located in the vicinity of the burner, for converting a sensed thermal state into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control system for controlling the rate of flow of a flammable fluid at generally constant pressure is disclosed. The system may include a flow control apparatus that is free of a regulator mechanism, for affecting the flow of the fluid. The flow control apparatus may be operable between at least a first flow rate and a second flow rate, and may have at least one upstream opening and at least one downstream opening. The system may also include a first burner in fluid communication with the downstream opening of the flow control apparatus and a conduit in fluid communication at one end thereof with the upstream opening of the flow control apparatus, and configured at the other end thereof for connection to a fuel supply. A thermocouple may be located in the vicinity of the burner, for converting a sensed thermal state into an electrical signal. An electronic controller, in communication with the flow control apparatus, for activating the flow control apparatus to one of said first and second flow rates, and being in communication with the thermocouple for receiving the electrical signal from the thermocouple is also provided. An interface connected to the controller for manually inputting a desired temperature may be included, wherein the controller is operable to automatically cycle the flow control apparatus between the first and second flow rates until the temperature sensed by the thermocouple is similar to the desired temperature.