Kitchen machine, identification device, food-processing module, and processing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen machines require individual control for various food-processing modules, which necessitate identification to prevent damage and ensure optimal operation, but existing technologies lack a reliable method for identifying and managing these modules.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen machine with an identification device that uses a processor to receive signals from food-processing modules, either directly or through a mobile device or server, to uniquely identify each module via electrical connectors, ensuring precise control based on predetermined requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the kitchen machine operates with multiple different food-processing modules, then the versatility and functionality of the kitchen machine is improved, but the complexity of controlling and identifying each module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identification device as an intermediary component that mediates between the kitchen machine control unit and the food-processing modules. This device automatically identifies modules through electrical connectors and transmits identification signals, eliminating the need for complex manual identification systems and simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling multi-module versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The food-processing modules are equipped with self-identification capabilities through integrated identification devices that automatically transmit their unique identifiers to the kitchen machine control unit via electrical connectors. This self-service approach allows modules to identify themselves without requiring external scanning or manual input, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If the kitchen machine automatically identifies food-processing modules, then the reliability and safety of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional identification components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors serving power and data transmission functions are designed to also carry identification signals simultaneously. The control unit integrates module identification functionality into its existing control architecture, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated identification hardware, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device establishes a feedback loop where module identification signals are continuously transmitted and received, allowing the control unit to verify proper module attachment and configuration before enabling operation. This automated feedback mechanism ensures operational safety and reliability while using simple signal transmission through existing electrical connectors
3Ease of operation
If the kitchen machine uses electrical connectors for signal transmission, then the ease of operation and module connection is improved, but the risk of signal interference and identification errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification signal transmission is segmented into distinct electrical pathways within the connector system, separating identification signals from power transmission and other data signals. This segmentation reduces electromagnetic interference and signal crosstalk, maintaining signal accuracy while preserving the simplicity of electrical connector-based module connection
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a kitchen machine (10) that can be operated with a plurality of different food-processing modules. The kitchen machine (10) is configured to identify each of the plurality of food-processing modules. The kitchen machine (10) may comprise a first connector (30) configured to be electrically connected to a second connector of a food-processing module, a processor (20) electrically connected to the first connector (30) and configured, when the first connector (30) is electrically connected to the second connector, to initiate, during a first time interval, a sending of a plurality of first output signals via the first connector (30) to the second connector, initiate, during a second time interval after the first time interval, a receiving of a plurality of first input signals from the second connector via the first connector (30), and identify the food-processing module based on the plurality of first input signals.