Method for self-testing and checking certain functions of a cooking appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cooking appliances are complex and prone to malfunctions due to wear and tear, making it difficult for customer service to diagnose and repair issues, especially in remote areas where personnel may lack expertise and necessary spare parts.
Innovation Solution
A self-test method using existing temperature sensors to evaluate temperature changes and check the functionality of actuators in cooking appliances, eliminating the need for additional sensors and allowing for targeted maintenance and spare part identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to monitor device functions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing temperature sensors, originally designed for cooking temperature monitoring, are made multi-functional by also using them to monitor actuator functionality. The control unit evaluates temperature development patterns to detect actuator defects, allowing one sensor to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking appliance performs self-diagnosis of actuator functionality using its existing temperature sensors and control unit. The system automatically monitors temperature development during cooking cycles and compares it against expected patterns to detect actuator defects, eliminating the need for external monitoring sensors or manual testing.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to monitor device functions, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing temperature sensors, originally designed for cooking temperature monitoring, are made multi-functional by also using them to monitor actuator functionality. The control unit evaluates temperature development patterns to detect actuator defects, allowing one sensor to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional monitoring hardware.
3Reliability
If customer service carries spare parts for all possible defects, then reliability of service is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-test procedure is performed before the customer service technician arrives at the installation site. The test identifies which actuators are defective in advance, allowing the service organization to prepare and bring only the specific spare parts needed for the identified defects, rather than carrying inventory for all possible failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-test procedure acts as an intermediary between the cooking appliance and the customer service organization. It translates the appliance's actuator status into specific test results that guide spare parts selection, serving as a communication bridge that enables targeted preparation without requiring physical inspection of all components.
4Reliability
If customer service makes multiple service trips, then reliability of service is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-test procedure is performed before the customer service technician arrives at the installation site. The test identifies which actuators are defective in advance, allowing the service organization to prepare and bring only the specific spare parts needed for the identified defects, rather than carrying inventory for all possible failures.
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 efficient and automated testing of essential components, improving maintenance scheduling and reducing the risk of misdiagnosing functioning parts as defective, thus enhancing customer service efficiency and reducing unnecessary service trips.
Implementation Method 1
The functionality of the heating device can advantageously be determined by heating the cooking space over a specific temperature range within a predetermined time interval
Implementation Method 2
The functionality of the steaming in cooking appliances with a direct water supply can advantageously be determined by detecting a drop in temperature when the steaming is active after the cooking space has been heated to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 3
the functionality of the dehumidification by means of a dehumidification device is determined by the fact that when the cooking space is heated after opening the dehumidification device, the temperature of a sensor positioned in thermal coupling with the dehumidification device increases by a predetermined amount in a predetermined time interval
Implementation Method 4
the functionality of the circulation pump is determined by the fact that when the cooking space is heated, after switching on the circulation pump, the cooking space temperature drops by a predetermined amount in a predetermined time interval
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for self-testing and checking certain functions of a cooking appliance (1) in the form of a hot-air oven, a steamer, or a combination of both, namely a combi-steamer, which combo-steamer has a cooking compartment (6), which can be closed off by way of a cooking compartment door (7), and a plurality of actuators, like pumps, at least one heating device (31), at least one steam injection device, at least one flow generating device (29) such as a blower, flaps and/or valves and temperature sensors (35, 43), and an appliance control unit, characterized in that by means of the temperature sensors (35, 43) of the cooking appliance, the efficiency of the actuators of the cooking appliance is checked such that the detected temperatures and temperature profiles are compared to reference temperature values, or reference temperature profiles to be expected during the operation of the respective actuator, and which are stored in the appliance control unit. If the detected value matches the corresponding reference value, the function of the corresponding actuator, or if the detected value deviates from the corresponding reference value, the malfunction of the corresponding actuator, is determined by the appliance control unit and is displayed, stored, and/or is transmitted for evaluation, wherein at the beginning of each detection, the cooking appliance is in a defined initial state.