Kitchen Appliance Accessory Recognition Using Weighing Device Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances require manual user confirmation for identifying accessories, which is cumbersome and costly to implement, especially when retrofitting existing units.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a weighing device to repeatedly acquire parameters over time, output a signal with weighing measurements, and evaluate them in a time-sliding interval to recognize accessories based on these measurements, eliminating the need for separate detection devices on the main appliance and data carriers on accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual user confirmation is used for identifying accessories, then accessory identification can be achieved, but user-friendliness deteriorates and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device automatically performs accessory identification by repeatedly measuring weight parameters and comparing them against stored reference values, eliminating the need for manual user confirmation. The system serves itself by autonomously detecting accessory presence and type through weight analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical confirmation operations with an automated electronic weighing and evaluation system. The control device uses electronic weight measurement and signal processing to substitute the mechanical action of manual accessory identification.
2Reliability
If separate data acquisition devices and data carriers are added to accessories, then accessory identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device serves multiple functions: it not only measures ingredient weights for cooking operations but also simultaneously performs accessory identification by analyzing weight parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated identification devices on accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the accessory identification function from the accessory itself and relocates it to the base unit's weighing device. Instead of embedding data carriers in accessories, the identification capability is taken out and performed centrally by the control device analyzing weight data.
3Reliability
If separate data acquisition devices are equipped on accessories, then accessory recognition is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates especially for retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accessory identification function with the existing weighing device in the base unit. By combining these functions, the system avoids requiring separate components on accessories, making retrofitting straightforward as only software evaluation updates are needed in the control device.
4Measurement precision
If weighing parameters are repeatedly acquired over time-sliding intervals, then accessory recognition accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device performs weight measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, acquiring data at defined time-sliding intervals. This periodic sampling provides sufficient information for accessory identification while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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
Enhances user-friendliness and safety by automatically recognizing accessories, preventing improper use, and extending the appliance's lifespan without additional equipment or data carriers.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing device (16) to repeatedly record at least one weighing parameter over time and to output a signal with weighing measurements corresponding to the at least one weighing parameter recorded over time
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (500, 600) for operating a kitchen appliance (4) is disclosed, in which at least one weighing parameter is recorded multiple times, in which a signal with weighing measurements is output, wherein the weighing measurements correspond to the result of the multiple recording of the at least one weighing parameter, and in which the signal with the weighing measurements is evaluated in a time-sliding interval Teval, characterized in that an accessory (6, 30) for the kitchen appliance (4) is recognized on the basis of the weighing measurements. In addition, a system (2) for preparing food, comprising a kitchen appliance (4) with a weighing device (16, 18, 20) and a control device (14) and with at least one accessory (6, 30), as well as a computer program, are disclosed.