Microwave Numeric Keypad Control for Faster Cook Time Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliances with electronic controls require multiple actuations and keypad manipulations for setting up and adjusting cooking times, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control system using a microprocessor and numeric keypads that allows users to initiate and adjust cooking time by single or multiple presses of the same keypad, with predefined increments, simplifying the programming process and reducing the need for visual searching and hand movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electronic controls are used with multiple keypad actuations, then precise control of cooking time is achieved, but the number of keypad manipulations increases making the process cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking time control is segmented into two distinct control modes: express cook mode for quick one-touch cooking, and add-time mode for incremental time additions during cooking. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate mode based on their needs, reducing unnecessary manipulations while maintaining precision control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating and setting the cooking time based on the selected food type and weight, eliminating the need for manual keypad entry. The microprocessor pre-configures the cooking parameters, and users only need to confirm or make minor adjustments, significantly reducing the number of manipulations required.
2Loss of time
If multiple keypads are used for programming cooking time, then precise time duration setting is possible, but the number of searches and touches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified interface: the same keypad buttons serve for both express cook selection and time addition during cooking. The display unit provides visual feedback for all operations, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing the search and touch count while maintaining precise time control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit provides real-time feedback showing the current cooking time, selected express cook options, and time additions. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify settings immediately without searching or multiple touches, reducing programming time while maintaining precision through visible confirmation of each input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional controls require numerous switch manipulations, then detailed cooking parameters can be set, but user effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the cooking state: during express cook mode, it accepts simple one-touch input; during cooking operation, it enables time addition mode with the same buttons. This dynamic behavior reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining versatile cooking parameter options through the microprocessor's flexible control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a cooking apparatus is provided including a microprocessor responsive to a set of user actuable keypads. The control comprises a numeric selector for initiating a cook time duration in minutes corresponding to the numeric selector with a first press. The same numeric selector can add (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a second press. And any numeric selector can then add ½ (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a third press.