Inductive Stirring Device for Cooking Vessels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cooking with induction stoves often requires manual stirring to prevent burning and ensure homogeneous cooking, limiting the user's ability to use conventional cooking vessels effectively.

Innovation Solution

A cooking vessel stirring device with a mechanical fixation element and an inductive energy harvesting circuit that powers an electric engine for automatic stirring, allowing the device to be fixed to the cooking vessel and powered by the magnetic field generated by an inductive cooking hob.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual stirring is used during cooking, then the cooking process can be controlled, but the user's ability to use conventional cooking vessels is limited and user intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic stirringVSAvoidstirring device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stirring function with the heating function by integrating an electric motor and stirring blade into the cooking vessel that can be powered by the induction hob's magnetic field. This merging allows conventional cooking vessels to gain automatic stirring capability without requiring separate stirring devices or complex integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stirring device is designed to be self-powered through inductive energy harvesting from the cooking hob's magnetic field. The system automatically converts the electromagnetic field into electrical energy to drive the motor, eliminating the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex wiring, thus reducing device complexity while achieving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If integrated heating mixers are used, then automatic stirring is achieved, but the cooking vessel capacity is limited and conventional pots cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking vessel compatibilityVSAvoidautomatic stirring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal stirring solution that can be attached to any conventional cooking vessel regardless of size, shape, or material. The magnetic coupling mechanism and inductive power transfer work with all induction-compatible pots and pans, allowing the same stirring device to function across multiple vessel types and sizes, thus achieving both automation and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer both power and rotational motion to the stirring blade without direct mechanical connection to the vessel or power source. This magnetic coupling allows the stirring device to work with any conventional vessel while maintaining automatic operation, bridging the gap between the power source and the stirring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If inductive energy harvesting is used to power the electric engine, then automatic stirring is enabled without external power, but the system depends on the cooking hob being active

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidstirring operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the cooking hob's electromagnetic field, which is already present during heating operation, into useful electrical energy to power the stirring motor. By harvesting energy from the existing magnetic field rather than requiring separate power sources, the system turns the cooking process itself into the power source, achieving energy efficiency while accepting operational dependency on hob activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 automatic stirring of cooking contents without the need for a mixer with integrated heating, allowing the use of conventional pots and maintaining the capacity of the cooking vessel, improving the cooking process by reducing user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive energy harvesting circuit (102) configured to generate electrical energy (103) from an external magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an inductive cooking hob with at least one inductive cooking zone configured to accept the cooking vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240206024A1Cooking Vessel, Cooking System, and Method

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a cooking vessel stirring device for stirring contents of a cooking vessel, including a mechanical fixation element configured to fix the cooking vessel stirring device in the cooking vessel, an inductive energy harvesting circuit configured to generate electrical energy from an external magnetic field, and an electric engine mechanically coupled to the mechanical fixation element and electrically coupled to the inductive energy harvesting circuit. The electric engine is configured operate based on electrical energy provided by the inductive energy harvesting circuit. Further, the present disclosure provides a cooking system and a respective method.