Home appliance system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliance systems require users to operate separate components, such as hobs and functional units, manually and transfer data between them, leading to inefficiencies and potential measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A home appliance system with an induction hob featuring a control unit and a functional unit that communicate wirelessly, allowing for automatic data exchange and optimized cooking processes by integrating computing and storage units, communication protocols, and sensors to manage victual parameters and cooking settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the functional unit is integrated into the hob, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional units (hob, scales, refrigerator, oven) that operate independently but can communicate via wireless data exchange. This segmentation avoids integrating measurement devices into the hob while maintaining measurement accuracy through dedicated functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the functional unit and the hob, enabling data transfer without physical integration. The communication unit transmits measured data (weight, temperature, etc.) wirelessly to the control unit, eliminating the need for integrated measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If the functional unit is integrated into the hob, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By keeping functional units separate from the hob, each component can be manufactured independently using standard production processes. The hob is manufactured as a cooking surface, while functional units like scales and refrigerators are produced separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system provides a cost-effective connection between separate units, avoiding the need for expensive integrated measurement devices. Data is transmitted via communication units that exchange information wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical integration and associated manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If manual data transfer is required between hob and functional unit, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives measured data from the functional unit via wireless communication and automatically adjusts cooking parameters based on this feedback. The system processes weight, temperature, and other measured data to optimize cooking processes, improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes and utilizes measured data without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently analyzes received data and adjusts cooking parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually transfer data between devices and improving cooking efficiency.
4Device complexity
If manual operation of separate components is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically receives and processes data from functional units, enabling the system to adapt cooking parameters based on measured values. This feedback mechanism allows the hob to automatically adjust settings based on weight, temperature, and other parameters, improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic adjustments and optimizations without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently processes received data and modifies cooking parameters, allowing users to simply place ingredients on the hob and receive automated cooking assistance, significantly improving operational convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
For the purpose of providing a generic system with improved characteristics regarding advantageous operating characteristics,a home appliance system (10) is proposed comprising a hob (12), which has a control unit (14), and comprising a functional unit (16) that is different from the hob (12) and is provided for communicating with the control unit (14) in at least one operating state.