Knob Module with Integrated Display for Precise Cooking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices require users to adjust heat energy and cooking time using knob-type input units, which can lead to inaccurate and cumbersome adjustments, making it difficult to precisely control cooking processes.
Innovation Solution
A cooking device featuring a push-and-turn knob module with a click or hold mechanism and an integrated display unit, allowing users to easily and accurately set heat energy levels and cooking times, while providing intuitive information display during cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob-type input unit is used for adjusting heat energy and cooking time, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into multiple independent knob modules, each dedicated to controlling specific heating modules. Each knob module contains a knob, knob ring, and display unit that work together as an integrated control unit, allowing precise and intuitive adjustment of heat energy and cooking time for each heating zone independently
Solution Approach 2:
The knob module design is universal and can control different types of heating modules (gas stove, induction heater, griddle) through a single interface. The control unit can replace heating modules while maintaining the same control mechanism, making the control system adaptable to various heating configurations without requiring redesign
2Measurement precision
If a knob-type input unit is used for adjusting heat energy and cooking time, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of cooking parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each knob module includes a display unit that provides real-time feedback on the selected heat energy level and cooking time. The display unit shows the current settings immediately after adjustment, allowing users to verify the precision of their input and make corrections if necessary, thereby improving measurement precision of cooking parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit stores preset cooking programs and parameters in advance. Users can select from pre-configured settings for different cooking tasks, which eliminates the need for manual adjustment and ensures accurate cooking parameters are applied consistently, improving measurement precision without requiring complex user input
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating modules are installed in the cooking device, then the cooking versatility is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent knob modules, with each module dedicated to controlling specific heating modules. This segmentation allows users to control each heating zone independently without interference, simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining the ability to operate multiple heating modules simultaneously for versatile cooking
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with different types of heating modules (gas burners, induction heaters, griddles). The same knob module interface can control various heating technologies, allowing the system to accommodate multiple heating module types without increasing control complexity, thereby maintaining cooking versatility
4Loss of information
If conventional control panels are used, then the device structure is simple, but the information display accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is merged with the knob module, placing the information display directly at the control interface. This integration ensures that cooking information (temperature, time, status) is always visible and accessible to users during operation, eliminating information loss and improving accessibility without requiring separate display panels or complex wiring systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking device which allows a user to quickly and easily set a cooking temperature and a cooking time. The cooking device includes a new type of control device configured to control a cooking process using the cooking device. The new type of control device, that is, a knob module includes a knob operated in a push-and-tum manner, a knob ring combined with the knob and operated in a click or holding manner, and a display unit integrally formed with the knob ring and capable of displaying a temperature, a heating power level, time, or other information set according to an operation of the knob or the knob ring. According to the present disclosure, an amount of heat energy supplied through the cooking device and a cooking time of the food may be quickly and easily adjusted.