Household appliance, household appliance arrangement and cooking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction hobs pose challenges for wireless communication due to electromagnetic interference, and existing solutions are not reliable or efficient in monitoring cooking processes, particularly when using wireless sensors to control cooking parameters.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen hob design incorporating a dedicated antenna with specific geometric properties, operating in the ISM band, and utilizing existing components like amplifiers and controllers to provide signal strength information, along with a sensor device that can receive inductive energy and indicate communication status, ensuring reliable wireless communication and monitoring of cooking parameters without additional parts or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless communication is used for sensor data transmission, then automation and sophistication of cooking control is improved, but reliability of communication is worsened due to electromagnetic interference from induction hob
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator system that mediates between the wireless communication channel and the user. The indicator (visual or acoustic) translates the abstract reliability of wireless communication into observable signals, allowing the system to maintain automated cooking control while providing reliable feedback about communication status despite electromagnetic interference from the induction hob.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver detects signal strength and provides real-time feedback through indicators. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor communication quality and alert users when interference occurs, maintaining both automation and reliability by enabling corrective action based on communicated status.
2Reliability
If dedicated antenna with specific geometric properties is used, then wireless communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes antenna performance by adjusting geometric parameters such as length, width, and shape to resonate at the specific frequency of the wireless communication system. By carefully selecting these parameters, the antenna achieves improved reliability in the electromagnetic environment of the induction hob while remaining manufacturable using standard fabrication 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
This solution enables reliable wireless communication and improved monitoring of cooking processes, allowing for better control and supervision of automated cooking programs, reducing the risk of interference and enhancing cooking results.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (350) coupled via a wireless communication line (360) to the antenna arrangement (100)
Implementation Method 2
An operating device is inductively coupled to a supply unit, and the operating unit may communicate an induction power level to the supply unit
Implementation Method 3
an amplifier in the receiver is used that provides an amplification factor as a value for signal strength information
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication used in a kitchen environment can be supervised and improved as a consequence of the supervision and indication. A sensor device (350) that communicates with a household appliance e.g. a kitchen hob (300) via a wireless communication line (360) can be used for automated cooking processes, and the kitchen hob (100) includes an indicator (480) to indicate the received signal strength of a wireless signal. A receiver (485) can be used to generate signal strength information for the indicator (480). A user is readily informed and can take corrective measures, once no proper wireless signal is available. Also, a feedback to a user can be given at the sensor device (350) by light or vibrating signals in order to take corrective measures.